Trump CIA nominee secures key Democrat's vote, heads for confirmation
he top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said on Tuesday he would support President Donald Trump’s nominee to be CIA director, Gina Haspel, all but ensuring her confirmation as the first woman to lead the spy agency.
Politics
May 15, 2018 / 1:01 PM / Updated 11 hours ago
Trump CIA nominee secures key Democrat's vote, heads for confirmation
Patricia Zengerle
3 Min Read
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said on Tuesday he would support President Donald Trump’s nominee to be CIA director, Gina Haspel, all but ensuring her confirmation as the first woman to lead the spy agency.
Senator Mark Warner said it had been a “difficult decision,” but cited Haspel’s 33-year career and support from the CIA workforce and intelligence veterans.
“Most importantly, I believe she is someone who can and will stand up to the President if ordered to do something illegal or immoral – like a return to torture,” Warner said in a statement.
In a letter to Warner dated Monday, Haspel said the CIA should not have undertaken a past harsh interrogation program, which has been a focus of debate over her confirmation.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is due to vote on Wednesday on whether to approve Haspel. With Warner’s support, she is expected to have the backing of all eight committee Republicans and at least two of the seven Democrats.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-u...-idUSKCN1IG2NU