John Ratcliffe took a step closer to being confirmed to lead the CIA on Monday as 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 after Ratcliffe’s confirmation hearing, which was largely cordial and void of fireworks. That marked a major change from 2020 when Ratcliffe, then considered a highly-partisan choice to become Director of National Intelligence (DNI) who Democrats deemed unprepared for the role, was confirmed in a party-line vote.
However, Ratcliffe’s work during his tenure as DNI helped grease the skids for his confirmation this year, especially his stance on China and 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 background,” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said following his confirmation hearing, adding that he was appreciative of Ratcliffe’s promise to speak truth to power.
“I’ve got confidence he’ll do a good job,” Kelly added.
Among the committee Democrats who voted for him on 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 committee member, also told The Hill he backed him.
Ratcliffe’s nomination is expected to come before the full Senate shortly after Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) likely swift confirmation 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 backing of anyone on that slate short of Rubio.
