Senate Republicans on Thursday voted to confirm former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) as the next leader of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The GOP-led chamber voted 53-44 along party lines to install Long in the post, with all Democrats voting in opposition to his confirmation. 

Republicans have praised Long’s work in the private sector and touted the former congressman as a good advocate for small business. But Democrats have raised questions about his credentials and potential conflicts of interests.

His confirmation comes as the agency has seen a revolving door at the top in recent months.

The last commissioner to head up the agency that was confirmed by the Senate was Daniel Werfel, who was nominated by former President Biden. While IRS commissioners typically have five-year terms, Werfel left the post after Trump vowed to replace him.

Multiple career officials were tapped to lead the office after Werfel exited amid controversies at the IRS.

Tobias Burns contributed.