Senate Intelligence Committee Votes To Advance Gina Haspel’s Nomination

Bad news for #resisters who hate Gina Haspel. The Senate Intelligence Committee has voted to advance her nomination. The committee voted 10-5 Wednesday morning.

Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, said in statement after the vote that Haspel is the “most qualified person the President could choose to lead the CIA and the most prepared nominee in the 70 year history of the Agency.”

He added, “She has acted morally, ethically, and legally, over a distinguished 30-year career and is the right person to lead the Agency into an uncertain and challenging future. I’m pleased to see the Committee favorably report her nomination to the full Senate, and I look forward to her swift confirmation.”

She even has support from Democrats.

Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, who originally expressed concerns with Haspel’s history at the agency during her confirmation hearing, said that he believes Haspel will be a “strong advocate for the Agency’s workforce, and an independent voice who can and will stand up on behalf of our nation’s intelligence community.”

He added, “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.”

So far, we know of two Republicans not outright supporting Haspel’s nomination: Sens. Rand Paul and John McCain.

Resisters are #triggered.

Once more, confirming our suspicions that the Senate Intelligence Committee is lacking a fundamental requirement: Intelligence.

— CarrieContrary (@csedgman) May 16, 2018

The Senate Intelligence Committee votes to advance Gina Haspel's nomination to be CIA director, 10-5, but not all senators are pleased about the vote, @Olivia_Gazis reports: https://t.co/YQEWISTBgV pic.twitter.com/LufqoCFfkJ

— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 16, 2018

Shameful

— Rose von Perbandt (@MiraclesArt) May 16, 2018

Yet another blow to the integrity of the U.S.

— Randy Brown (@RandyBr07001687) May 16, 2018

Our entire government is disgusting. BLOODY GINA.

— Gail Zawacki (@witsendnj) May 16, 2018

So disappointed to hear Senate Intelligence Committee just confirmed nomination of Gina Haspel for CIA chief despite all the evidence of her role in torture. Haspel should be prosecuted, not promoted.

— Daphne Eviatar (@deviatar) May 16, 2018

First female CIA director, coming right up!

h/t CBS News