The Senate Intelligence Committee has advanced the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the nation's intelligence agencies, with a 9-8 vote along party lines. The decision came after a hearing where Clayton repeatedly declined to state definitively that former President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the panel, expressed disappointment in Clayton's performance during the hearing, despite having worked with him previously. All Democratic members of the committee voted against Clayton, according to a person familiar with the vote who requested anonymity to disclose the information. Republicans supported the nomination.
The committee's approval moves Clayton's nomination to a floor vote, which could occur early next week. Democrats have indicated they are unlikely to expedite the process given Clayton's responses regarding the 2020 election results. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described Clayton's performance as "abysmal," making Democratic support less probable.
This pushback coincides with former President Donald Trump's continued focus on the 2020 election. Clayton stated he had no involvement in a recent speech by Trump that questioned the election's legitimacy.
Concerns have also been raised about the interim director, Bill Pulte, who assumed the role after Tulsi Gabbard's resignation. Pulte reportedly has no intelligence experience and previously investigated perceived political opponents. Republicans had aimed to confirm Clayton in June to replace Gabbard, but Trump delayed the nomination, allowing Pulte to serve temporarily.
During his hearing, Clayton emphasized his government and national security experience, aiming to reassure senators from both parties. He stated, "If confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, I will commit to upholding these principles every day." Sen. Tom Cotton, who had previously expressed frustration over a delayed hearing, cited Clayton's reputation for "morality, decency and integrity" in his prior roles. Cotton added that Clayton is a "highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats."