The Senate confirmed Avril Haines as director of national intelligence on January 20, 2021, by a vote of 84-10. Haines previously served as an assistant to the president and principal deputy national security advisor during the Obama administration. Ten Republican senators voted against her confirmation:
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)
- Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.)
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
- Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)
- Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)
- Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)
- Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.)
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)
- Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho)
Haines is the first member of President Joe Biden (D)’s Cabinet to be confirmed. Prior to the Senate vote, Biden announced that Lora Shiao would serve as the acting director of national intelligence until Haines was sworn in.
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