Senate Intel to hold confirmation hearing for Ratcliffe nomination next week

The Senate Intelligence Committee has noticed a May 5 confirmation hearing for President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas).

The big picture: Trump had previously sought to nominate Ratcliffe in July 2019, but the Texas congressman withdrew his name in August as questions arose about his qualifications.

• Trump nominated Ratcliffe again in February to replacing acting DNI Richard Grenell, another staunch loyalist.
• Ratcliffe rose to prominence in part by defending the president during the Mueller investigation and Ukraine impeachment inquiry.
• Despite safety risks posed by the coronavirus, the Senate is returning on Monday in part to fulfill Trump's requests of approving his executive branch nominations.