Acting CIA Director Gina Haspel received a promotion to permanent CIA Director Thursday afternoon when the Senate voted to confirm her nomination for the position 54-45.
On the Senate 54-45 vote to confirm Gina Haspel as CIA Director:
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) May 17, 2018
SIX DEM YES VOTES:
Donnelly
Heitkamp
Manchin
Nelson
Shaheen
Warner
TWO GOP NOs:
Rand Paul
Jeff Flake
Senator Not Voting:
McCain
Haspel, 60, is the first woman in U.S. history to lead the spy agency. She was nominated by President Trump to replace Mike Pompeo, who now serves as Secretary of State.
It’s about time we have a woman heading the CIA + she’s the 1st in 60 yrs from w/in the org since she knows the CIA inside &out no bureaucrats will b hoodwinking her like they do political appointees Congrats Gina Haspel
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) May 17, 2018
I’m very glad the Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel as the new Director of the CIA.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 17, 2018
Ms. Haspel is highly qualified and has worked her way up through the ranks. She’s a seasoned intelligence professional at a time of great danger facing our nation.
Just like Clare Boothe Luce was the first female appointed to a major ambassadorial post abroad, Gina Haspel has become the first female director of the CIA. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/g4eVeoQPPC
— CBLPI (@CBLPI) May 17, 2018
During her confirmation hearing two weeks ago, Haspel was pressed by Senators about her role in the CIA's enhanced interrogation program after 9/11. She said while the program gathered important intelligence that thwarted terrorist attacks against the United States, she wouldn't restart or reuse the tactics.
"I understand that what many people around the country want to know about are my views on CIA's former detention and interrogation program," Haspel said. "I have views on this issue, and I want to be clear. Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program."
This post has been updated with additional information.
