Part 2/5:
Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio mentioned that the vote ended at 51-49, indicating some dissent within the Republican ranks. Notably, two Republican Senators—Lisa Murkowski from Alaska and Susan Collins from Maine—voted against Patel's confirmation. Despite the speculation surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell's vote, he ultimately voted in favor of the nominee, even after announcing his retirement earlier that day. His vote was crucial in ensuring that the confirmation did not hinge on the presence of J.D. Vance, who was not required to break a tie.