Maine Senator Susan Collins broke with almost all of her Republican colleagues to vote against Kash Patel as FBI director Thursday, although Patel was still confirmed.
Collins released a statement, saying Patel’s string of political comments disqualifies him from serving in an apolitical position
“While I strongly support efforts to ensure all federal employees perform their responsibilities ethically and in accordance with the law, Mr. Patel’s recent political profile undermines his ability to serve in the apolitical role of Director of the FBI,” said Collins.
Collins’s vote comes after Patel harshly criticized the FBI and called for an investigation into agents who investigated January 6th rioters.
Her statement noted that a survey sent to all FBI employees who had a hand in cases involving the rioters.
“These statements, in conjunction with the questionnaire sent to thousands of FBI employees, cast doubt on Mr. Patel’s ability to advance the FBI’s law enforcement mission in a way that is free from the appearance of political motivation,” Collins said.
FBI agents have sued to bar the Department of Justice from releasing the names of agents that worked on the cases.
Patel was still confirmed to lead the FBI Thursday with only one other Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voting against him. Four Republicans would been required to defeat his nomination.
Maine Independent Senator Angus King caucuses with Democrats and joined all members of the party in voting against Patel.
Pate is a former federal prosecutor who held intelligence and national security roles during Trump’s first term.
