John Ratcliffe may get confirmation hearing for acting spy chief nomination next week
The Senate Intelligence Committee is preparing to hold a confirmation hearing next week for President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, Rep. John Ratcliffe. CNN reported the plans, citing sources familiar with the matter. Spokeswomen for Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr and Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the committee, did not respond to requests for comment from the Washington Examiner.
The plans are still fluid as the panel works through the logistics of holding a hearing during the coronavirus pandemic. The Senate plans to reconvene Monday, even though the House physician told members of Congress he would advise against returning to the Capitol. U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell has served as Trump’s acting spy chief since February. He has faced opposition from Democrats who claim he was picked for his loyalty to Trump, while his defenders are pleased with his efforts to shake up the intelligence community.
Ratcliffe was previously nominated to the position after former intelligence chief, Dan Coats, resigned last year. He withdrew his name from consideration within a week after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications. “Rather than going through months of slander and libel, I explained to John how miserable it would be for him and his family to deal with these people,” Trump tweeted at the time. “John has therefore decided to stay in Congress where he has done such an outstanding job representing the people of Texas, and our Country.” Ratcliffe was a prominent defender of Trump during his impeachment trial, and the president nominated him again for the position after acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph McGuire departed.
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