Washington, Feb. 19 -- Kash Patel moved a step closer to becoming the first Indian American to head the FBI with the US senate narrowly voting on a procedural measure to advance his nomination for a full vote of confirmation. The US Senate, which must confirm the nomination, voted 48-45 along party lines to open debate on the nominee, starting the countdown for 30 hours of discussion before Patel is expected to receive final approval Thursday.

Patel, who is 44 years old, has been one of the most controversial of those named by President Donald Trump to his cabinet and administration. The others - Director of National Intelligence, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and defence secretary Pete Hegseth were confirmed in party-line voting ...