The US Senate voted on Thursday to appoint former congressman John Ratcliffe as the director of the CIA. Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence during Donald Trump's first presidential term, Reuters reported.
Senators voted 72 to 26 in favor of a procedural measure to end debate, clearing the way for Ratcliffe's confirmation in a final vote later that day.
Members of the Senate Intelligence Committee questioned Ratcliffe about whether he would fire employees for their political views or opinions about Trump.
Ratcliffe has vowed not to, and the committee backed him 14 to 3, clearing the way for a full Senate debate.Ratcliffe also said he believes the US can stand up to Russia and China.
Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence from May 2020 until Trump's dismissal in January 2021.
The Republican-led Senate is working as quickly as possible to confirm Trump's nominees to top positions in his administration, starting with his national security team.
Former Republican Senator Marco Rubio was appointed on Monday, the day of Trump's inauguration.
