“Aren’t FBI checks SOP? A lot of embarrassment could have been avoided already with FBI checks.”
Yes. When the FBI has not spent the last eight years lying about Trump, wiretapping Trump, aiding lawfare against Trump, etc.
One expects the FBI to make sure that no Trump appointee who would challenge their power will be confirmed. Collins probably expects the same thing.
The FBI reports it’s findings. It doesn’t have veto power over who gets confirmed.
President Trump is holding his fire until he is sworn in and assumes power. Then there are so many things he can do unilaterally to gore their ox.