The Senate confirmed Rep. John Ratcliffe as the next director of national intelligence on Thursday.
The Texas Republican was confirmed on a 49-44 vote after withdrawing his nomination last year in the face of bipartisan opposition, Fox News reported.
The number of “nay” votes was the largest ever in opposition to a DNI nomination since the post was created in 2004, according to CNBC.
Ratcliffe will replace Richard Grenell and lead the federation of 17 intelligence agencies as the intelligence community is in the middle of another political firestorm over the “unmasking” of Trump associates.
“The DNI’s role is crucial to our national security, and I look forward to working with Director Ratcliffe as he oversees the efforts of our nation’s 17 intelligence agencies,” acting Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio said in a statement, according to Fox.
