Senators Weigh in on Newly Confirmed CIA Director
The US Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel as the new CIA Director. This is what several Senators had to say about the appointment.
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Gina Haspel to be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency:
“I’m pleased to see Gina Haspel confirmed today to be the Director of CIA,” said Chairman Richard Burr. “Perhaps the most qualified individual ever nominated for this role, Ms. Haspel has earned the respect of her peers, predecessors, and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. She is the right person to lead the brave men and women of the CIA, has a clear-eyed vision for the future of the Agency, and I look forward to working with Ms. Haspel in the years to come to keep our country safe.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Intelligence said the following about Haspel on the Senate floor:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after meeting with Gina Haspel today on her nomination for CIA Director:
“I have reviewed the record of Gina Haspel’s time at the CIA and the classified materials made available to Senators. Today, I had an opportunity to meet with the nominee, and while I appreciate her commitment to public service, I have serious concerns about the role Ms. Haspel played in the CIA’s rendition, detention and so-called enhanced interrogation program. I believe torture is immoral and I am deeply troubled this nominee would not say it is immoral at the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. Like Senator McCain, I believe this refusal is disqualifying. American military officials have made clear that torture undermines our national security and puts our troops at risk, so our leaders must make it clear that torture is not consistent with our American values. I take my duty of advise and consent very seriously, and will vote no on her nomination.”
