The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved the nomination of James Comey (KOH’-mee) to be director of the FBI, clearing the way for a full Senate vote.

The 18-0 committee vote will send Comey’s nomination to the Senate floor. The soonest a vote could take place would be early next week.

President Barack Obama nominated the 52-year-old Comey in June to succeed outgoing FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Comey spent 15 years as a federal prosecutor before serving as the No. 2 official in the Justice Department under President George W. Bush. He is best-known for resisting that administration’s demands for warrantless wiretapping.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy (LAY’-hee) of Vermont. Leahy praises Comey and thanks Republicans for helping to expedite his nomination.

(AP)