Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called on the Senate to reject Gina Haspel’s nomination to become CIA director Wednesday, charging that she was unable to address concerns with her role in the use of enhanced interrogation techniques during the Bush administration.
“Today, Gina Haspel testified before the Senate and to the country about her qualifications to lead the CIA. This occasion provided an opportunity to provide details about her experience in the CIA, explain her involvement in the so-called enhanced interrogation program during the Bush Administration, and account for the mistakes the country made in torturing detainees held in U.S. custody after the September 11th attacks,” McCain said in a statement, referring to Haspel’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. “Unfortunately, the testimony the American people heard from Ms. Haspel today failed to address these concerns.”
“I believe Gina Haspel is a patriot who loves our country and has devoted her professional life to its service and defense,” McCain said. “However, Ms. Haspel’s role in overseeing the use of torture by Americans is disturbing.”
“Her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying,” he added. “I believe the Senate should exercise its duty of advice and consent and reject this nomination.”
McCain, who is chairman of the Armed Services Committee, is unlikely to vote on the nomination as he continues to battle brain cancer and remains home in Arizona. After Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced his support for Haspel today, Senate Republicans can afford to only lose one member of their caucus for her to still be confirmed.
