Sen. Susan Collins, one of two Republican senators in the Senate Intelligence Committee who had been holding out on a decision on whether to vote in favor of Gina Haspel, President Trump’s nominee for CIA director, has committed to voting ‘yes,’ effectively giving Haspel the votes she needs to pass with a simple majority.
The Maine Republican announced her decision in a statement early Wednesday evening, hours after Haspel testified at a confirmation hearing before the committee, where she faced tough questions about her her prior work at the agency overseeing programs that involved torture.
“After careful consideration, I will vote for the confirmation of Gina Haspel to become the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency,” Collins said. “Ms. Haspel is an accomplished intelligence professional who will bring 33 years of experience to her new role. She has dedicated her entire life to the service of our country and has performed extraordinarily well in a number of challenging positions – often, in some of the most dangerous places in the world.”
With Collins’ blessing, Haspel now has nine senators who will vote in her favor, including one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin.
Four Democrats stand against her nomination, and two, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Mark Warner, have yet to decide. One other Republican, Sen. Jeff Flake, also remains undecided.
A committee vote is expected next week.
