Clayton Edges Toward DNI Post as Senate Clears Confirmation Path

Senators advanced Jay Clayton’s nomination to be director of national intelligence in a 51-43 party-line vote, setting up a final confirmation vote with Democrats remaining wary after he refused to acknowledge Biden’s 2020 victory; meanwhile, Section 702 reauthorization remains unresolved and is not expected to be voted on before September as Congress heads into August recess. The live updates also cover related stories on Erica Schwartz’s CDC nomination, Cornyn’s demands tied to Todd Blanche’s confirmation, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang meeting with lawmakers on AI, a House Ethics probe into Rep. Lance Gooden, CBC endorsements in Michigan, Fetterman’s reconsideration of the filibuster, McConnell’s ongoing rehab, Warner’s meeting with OpenAI’s Altman, and Trump’s push to keep the Senate in session for GOP priorities.”