On Tuesday the Senate voted to advance Kash Patel’s nomination to a full Senate confirmation vote today. His confirmation as the next FBI Director is all but certain, especially with John Thune’s (R-SD) filing of “cloture.”

The term derives from French parliamentary procedure, and informally means “guillotine.” In essence, it’s a procedure to end or cut off further debate, bringing a matter to a quick end. Two calendar days must pass after the filing, which would schedule the vote for today. This is also in line with the Senate’s agenda. 

Patel has weathered the criticisms from Democrats throughout this process, but none has been more deleterious to the confirmation process than accusations made by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). 

During Patel’s confirmation hearing, he stated unequivocally that there would be no mass firings at the FBI under his leadership. But, last week, Durbin attempted to capitalize on rumors that sweeping terminations are imminent at the FBI, and that FBI employees having any nexus to January 6th investigations would be fired. 

Durbin used this opportunity to allege that Patel had perjured himself during his Senate hearing, despite the inconvenient fact that Patel has no executive authority until after his confirmation and swearing in. 

In response to Durbin’s ridiculous accusations, Patel’s Communications Representative, Erica Knight posted on X, “Once again, the media is relying on anonymous sources and second-hand gossip to push a false narrative.” 

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