Top GOP senator wants vote on Trump’s FBI nominee in July

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wants the Senate to vote on Christopher Wray’s nomination to be the next FBI director before the chamber leaves for the August recess. 

“It’s been my intention of having the nominee before the committee during the month of July and hopefully get it done in time so that he can be confirmed before our summer break,” Grassley told reporters on Thursday. 

Grassley, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee who will be responsible for shepherding Trump’s nominee through the Senate, met with Trump’s pick on Thursday, marking the start of Wray’s push on Capitol Hill to win over lawmakers.

If Grassley sticks to his timeline, it will add another item to an already packed July schedule for the Senate. Lawmakers are expected to adopt a rapid pace as they try to pass a swath of major legislation during what is shaping up to be a three-week sprint.

{mosads}Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey in May as the bureau’s investigation into Russia’s election meddling and potential ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow was apparently heating up.

Democrats blasted Trump’s decision and initially called to delay naming an FBI replacement until the probe was handed over to a special counsel. 

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named Robert Mueller as special counsel to the Russia probe, and Democrats appeared largely supportive of Wray’s nomination when it was announced earlier this month. 

“FBI nominee Wray has solid credentials – now this job will require independence & guts to stand up to political interference,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, tweeted at the time.

Wray oversaw the Justice Department’s Criminal Division as an assistant attorney general under former President George W. Bush. He also represented New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) during the Bridgegate scandal, something he will most likely face scrutiny for during his confirmation hearing.