Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats are making a late-stage push to delay the confirmation of Kash Patel, former President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite Patel undergoing nearly six hours of questioning and submitting extensive documentation detailing his record, lawmakers on the left are demanding a second hearing to prolong the scrutiny of his nomination.

Senate Democrats delay Kash Patel committee vote https://t.co/rbJadeEL4q

— The Hill (@thehill) February 6, 2025

The move comes as Patel remains a polarizing figure in Washington. Having previously served in key national security and intelligence roles, including as a top aide to Rep. Devin Nunes and a senior official in Trump’s National Security Council, Patel has been a strong advocate for reforms within the intelligence community. His critics, however, argue that his close ties to Trump and past investigations into intelligence agencies warrant further examination before he is confirmed.

During his confirmation hearing, Patel faced intense questioning about his past work, policy positions, and approach to the FBI’s independence. Despite providing what his supporters call exhaustive responses, Democrats insist that more time is needed to probe his record further.

The push for another hearing is seen by some as a strategic move to stall the confirmation process. With political tensions running high, Patel’s nomination has become yet another battleground in the ongoing fight over the future direction of the FBI and the broader intelligence community.

While it remains unclear whether Democrats will succeed in securing an additional hearing, the push underscores the deep partisan divide over Patel’s nomination. As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Republicans will be able to move forward with the vote or if the delay will gain traction.