Three Democratic senators have said they will oppose the quick confirmation of Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., to be the next CIA director.
In a statement, Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Pat Leahy, D-Vt., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said they need more time to assess Pompeo’s nomination.
“The importance of the position of CIA director, especially in these dangerous times, demands that the nomination be thoroughly vetted, questioned and debated,” they said.
They also downplayed the need to quickly confirm Pompeo by saying, “No CIA Director in history has ever been confirmed on Inauguration Day.”
“Moreover, the Agency is capable of protecting the nation and serving the president under the leadership of its senior professional personnel,” they added. “Our constituents expect Congress to be a check and balance on the incoming administration, not a rubber stamp.”
Their statement undercuts a statement made by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who said Friday that Pompeo could get a vote as early as today. Democratic opposition likely means the debate will likely continue through Monday, when Republicans may be able to proceed with a vote.
