The US Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the new director of national intelligence. His confirmation was made with 51 votes in favor and 47 against. Clayton will be taking over a weakened office with diminished authority.

Clayton's new role follows the interim directorship of Bill Pulte, a real estate executive with no national security experience. Pulte's appointment had sparked concerns among critics, who feared he might use his access to classified information for political purposes. Further details about Jay Clayton's confirmation and his new role are available from KVIA ABC-7's source, CNN.