Patterson became a focus of criticism of U.S. policy in Egypt
last summer during demonstrations after the military deposed the
country's Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi.
Patterson had said street demonstrations were not the way to
bring about change, which some Egyptians interpreted as backing
for Mursi and ridiculed her in prominent signs posted around
Cairo.
U.S. officials said then that a full reading of Patterson's
remarks made clear she was not taking sides in Egyptian
politics.
Senate Democrats have been trying to have as many nominees
confirmed as possible before Congress ends its work for the year
and heads home for the holidays, likely later this week.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Christopher Wilson)
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