“Ms. Haspel’s role in overseeing the use of torture by Americans is disturbing. Her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying. I believe the Senate should exercise its duty of advice and consent and reject this nomination.”

US Senator John McCain

“I voted NO on the nomination of Gina Haspel in the Senate Intelligence Committee today. The choice for CIA Director sends a clear signal about our values as a country. Senator McCain was right when he stated that her ‘refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying’.”

US Senator Kamala Harris

On Wednesday (May 16 2018), the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee voted 10-5 in favour of  Gina Haspel as the new director of the CIA. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today

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As it is customary for the intelligence panel, the vote took place behind closed doors. Mrs Gina Haspel was expected to be approved by the committee.

All eight Republicans and two of the seven Democrats on the Senate intelligence committee earlier expressed support for Haspel. The remaining five Democrats had announced their opposition.

The Senate intelligence committee thus recommends that the full Senate confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the CIA. Haspel is likely to be confirmed.

Republicans hold a 51-49-seat majority in the 100-member Senate. If necessary, Vice President Mike Pence votes to break a tie.

The full Senate is expected to vote on her nomination as early as this week. Mrs Haspel will then become the first woman Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

During her confirmation hearing (May 9 2018), Haspel pledged that she would never restart the CIA enhanced interrogation program.

She also said that she would never follow a morally objectionable order from president Trump.

But Mrs Haspel has declined to say if torture — as practised by the CIA in the aftermath of 9/11 — was immoral.

CIA nominee Gina Haspel declines to say if torture techniques are ‘immoral’

REFERENCES

U.S. Senate committee to vote on Trump CIA pick on Wednesday — Reuters

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CIA Director Nominee — Senate Intel Committee to Vote on Wednesday

CIA Director Nominee — Senate Intel Committee Votes 10-5 in Favour of Gina Haspel