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John Ratcliffe moved one step closer to being confirmed to lead the CIA on Monday when the Senate Intelligence Committee advanced his nomination.
The panel advanced his nomination 14 to 3 shortly after President Trump was sworn into office. All three “no” votes were cast by Democrats.
The vote comes days later Ratcliffe Confirmation Hearingwhich was largely cordial and without fireworks. This marked a significant change from 2020 when Ratcliffe, then considered a highly partisan choice to become Director of National Intelligence (DNI) whom Democrats considered unfit for the role, was confirmed in a vote of the party line.
However, Ratcliffe’s work during his tenure as DNI helped grease the skids for his confirmation this year, particularly his stance on China and a promise to Democrats to keep the agency apolitical.
“I think he’s qualified for the job. He’s a serious guy and he’s got the track record,” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said after his confirmation hearing, adding that he appreciated Ratcliffe’s pledge to speak truth to power
“I’m confident he’ll do a good job,” Kelly added.
Among the committee’s Democrats who voted for him Monday was Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the panel’s vice chairman, who is considered an influential figure in Ratcliffe’s confirmation push.
Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), another member of the committee, also told The Hill he supports it.
Ratcliffe’s nomination is expected to come to the full Senate shortly after the likely swift confirmation of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to lead the State Department.
Senate Republicans have indicated that the first goal is to get Trump’s national security team in place, and Ratcliffe could have the most bipartisan support of anyone on this list short of Rubio.
