Former Justice Department lawyer Christopher Wray was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the FBI, about three months after its previous director James Comey was fired by President Donald Trump.
Senate confirmed the Wray nomination 92-5. Senators Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, Warren, & Wyden voted no. Burr, Franken & McCain didnt vote
— Senate Press Gallery (@SenatePress) August 1, 2017
From Reuters:
Wray, who was confirmed by vote of 92-5, will take charge of the country’s top domestic law enforcement agency during a federal probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia.
Since the dismissal of Comey on May 9, the Justice Department has appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the investigation with the help of the FBI. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia.
Wray vowed in his confirmation hearing last month to remain independent and not be swayed by politics or pressure from the president. He also praised Muller as the “consummate straight shooter.”
He also worked with Comey on the government’s case in the Enron Corp fraud scandal in the early 2000s.
During the confirmation hearing, Republican Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Wray’s background showed he was committed to independence, an attribute he said was “vitally important” in the next FBI director.
Wray served as assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division at the Justice Department under former Republican President George W. Bush.
Wray was previously assistant AG in charge of the Justice Dept.’s criminal division under GW Bush.
.@RonWyden, one of five No votes, said he opposed Wray b/c he "failed to oppose" encryption backdoors. A first for a confirmation vote? pic.twitter.com/I9WD8wFY31
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) August 1, 2017
Say what you want about Christopher Wray, but this process was absurd.
— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) August 1, 2017
Dem 2020 watch. Yea's confirming Wray for FBI:
Sanders, Harris, Brown, Murphy, Klobuchar, Booker.
Nays:
G'brand, Warren.
Absent: Franken— Paul Kane (@pkcapitol) August 1, 2017