Collins to vote against Patel nomination

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she would vote against the nomination of Kash Patel to serve as FBI director, citing a string of political comments that call into question his ability to apolitically lead the bureau.

Collins noted recent actions at the Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI, from prosecutors resigning after facing pressure on how to handle certain cases to FBI agents facing firing over their work on Jan. 6, 2021, cases.

“In this context, there is a compelling need for an FBI Director who is decidedly apolitical. While Mr. Patel has had 16 years of dedicated public service, his time over the past four years has been characterized by high profile and aggressive political activity,” Collins said in a statement.  

“Mr. Patel has made numerous politically charged statements in his book and elsewhere discrediting the work of the FBI, the very institution he has been nominated to lead. These statements, in conjunction with the questionnaire sent to thousands of FBI employees, cast doubt on Mr. Patel’s ability to advance the FBI’s law enforcement mission in a way that is free from the appearance of political motivation.”

Collins said she could not consider Patel without weighing “the backdrop of recent personnel actions” at the DOJ.

In particular, she noted the survey sent to all FBI employees who had a hand in the more than 1,500 cases brought against those in connection with the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

FBI agents have sued to bar the DOJ from releasing the names of agents that worked on the cases, fearing retaliation.

“These initiatives raise the specter that adverse actions could be taken against FBI employees – including special agents in the field – who have dedicated their careers to public service and who do not choose their assignments,” Collins wrote. “It is critical that any efforts to promote accountability at the FBI be carefully calibrated and not have the effect of driving away dedicated public servants who keep our country and communities safe.”

The Maine Republican’s concern comes as Democrats have accused Patel of being involved in the efforts to purge various FBI employees, asking for an investigation by the DOJ inspector general.

The actions were taken the day after the Trump nominee’s confirmation hearing, and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he has “highly credible information” that Patel directed the move.

Updated at 11:40 a.m. EST