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

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term, is a former federal prosecutor and conservative member of Congress representing a district in Texas. He was a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in the House.

The Senate advanced John Ratcliffe’s nomination for Central Intelligence Agency director in a key test vote, effectively guaranteeing he will be confirmed in a final vote later Thursday.