Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced Wednesday he’ll vote to confirm Gina Haspel to head the CIA, a decision that could provide the majority needed to confirm her in the Senate.
“After meeting with Gina Haspel, discussing her extensive experience as a CIA agent, and considering her time as Acting Director, I will vote to confirm her to be our next CIA Director,” Manchin announced in a statement. “I have found Gina Haspel to be a person of great character.”
“Over her 33 year career as a CIA operations officer, she has worked in some of the most dangerous corners of our world and I have the utmost respect for the sacrifices she has made for our country,” he said. “She has earned the trust of her colleagues in the intelligence community and her intellect, steady temperament, vast knowledge of threats we face, and dedication to our country are undeniable. These attributes make her supremely qualified to serve as our next CIA Director.”
[Also read: Gina Haspel won’t say if she oversaw detainee waterboarding]
“As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I take the role of oversight very seriously and I look forward to working with Gina Haspel to ensure the people of West Virginia and the United States are kept safe,” he added.
Two Republicans are undecided — Sens. Jeff Flake or Arizona and Susan Collins of Maine — and one GOP lawmaker is a “no,” which means her confirmation is not guaranteed yet.
The Senate Intelligence Committee questioned Haspel on Wednesday and she has been making the rounds in the Senate, meeting with key undecided Democrats, including Manchin.
