The Senate Judiciary Committee, in a party-line vote of 12 to 10, has moved to confirm Kash Patel as President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director. Patel, a former public defender and Justice Department attorney, faced scrutiny during a hearing due to concerns raised by Democrats regarding his past statements and actions. Specifically, Democrats pointed to Patel’s book listing “deep state” officials he might retaliate against if appointed as FBI director.

Despite these objections, Patel’s nomination advances to the Senate for a final vote, with Republicans holding a majority in the chamber. Democrats, led by Sen. Dick Durbin, have raised accusations of perjury against Patel, alleging that he misled the committee about his knowledge of a purge of top agency officials.

In response, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley dismissed these allegations as “outrageous” and criticized the attempts to derail Patel’s confirmation. Grassley emphasized that the attacks on Patel were part of a strategy to undermine his nomination.

Democrats had requested another hearing with Patel before the vote, but Grassley rejected the plea, stating that further hearings were unnecessary. Despite attempts to delay the confirmation process, Democrats were unable to secure additional questioning time for Patel.

As the nomination process unfolds, the controversy surrounding Patel’s appointment reflects the partisan divide within the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Democrats expressing reservations about Patel’s suitability for the role of FBI Director.