The Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as the next director of the CIA on Thursday as Republicans prepare for weekend votes on two more national security picks. Ratcliffe faced a brief delay to his nomination from Democrats questioning his independence from President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted Thursday to confirm John Ratcliffe as the next CIA director under President Donald Trump, approving the second high-level appointment for the new administration.

He has offered a vision for a more aggressive spy agency, and his focus on the threat from China is widely shared by Republican and Democratic lawmakers.