Senate vote paves way for Wray at FBI
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray to lead the FBI, replacing James Comey, who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump amid the investigation into Russian meddling in last year’s presidentialelection.
The vote was 92-5 for Mr. Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W. Bush’s Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Mr. Wray, 50, inherits the FBI at a particularly challenging time given Mr. Trump’s ousting of Mr. Comey, who was admired withinthe bureau.
“This is a tough time to takethis tough job,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said during a relatively low-key Senate debate of the nomination. “The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we’ve had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months.”
Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska said after the vote, “Chris Wray will bring character and competence to a city that is hemorrhaging publictrust.”
Mr. Wray won unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, with Republicans and Democrats praising his promise never to let politics get in the wayof the bureau’s mission.
Asserting his independence at his confirmation hearing, Mr. Wray said, “My loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law. Those have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to themno matter the test.”
Mr. Trump roiled Washington on May 9 by firing Mr. Comey in the midst of his 10- year term as the FBI chief and as the law enforcement agencywas investigating Russia’s role in the election and possible ties to Trump campaignofficials.
AndrewMcCabehasserved as acting FBI director during the nearly three-month interimperiod.
“Mr. Wray possesses the skill, the character and the unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law thatwe need in a FBI director,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, RIowa, chairman of the JudiciaryCommittee.
The top Democrat on the panel, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, said Mr. Wray “has the strength and fortitude to stand up and do what it is rightwhen tested.”
She added, “We need leaders with steel spines, not weak knees, and I am hopeful that Mr. Wray will be just such a leader.”
Commenting on the vote, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said: “Today’s bipartisan show of support is indicative ofMr. Wray’s professionalism and commitment to independence. I have no doubt the FBI is in good hands with Mr. Wrayat the helm.”