Senators reacted Thursday to President Donald Trump’s nomination of Jay Clayton to become the next director of National Intelligence, with many offering positive remarks about the selection while some questioned why the nomination had not come earlier.

Trump announced Clayton, currently serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, just hours after the House failed to pass a temporary extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Several Democrats opposed the extension amid the temporary nomination of Director of U.S. Federal Housing Bill Pulte to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Supporters of Clayton highlighted his background and experience as reasons for confidence in the nomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told the Daily Caller News Foundation that Clayton had a “great record” and encouraged Democratic senators to support his confirmation process.

The nomination immediately became part of a broader debate over intelligence leadership, surveillance authorities, and the direction of national security policy moving forward.

Some lawmakers questioned the timing, but supporters argued that moving quickly to install permanent leadership can provide greater stability at a time when intelligence and national security decisions remain under intense public attention. Washington always seems surprised when appointments happen right after deadlines become impossible to ignore.

As the confirmation process approaches, Clayton’s record and vision for the role are expected to receive close scrutiny while Republicans push to move the nomination forward.