03.13.18

McConnell Statement on Mike Pompeo and Gina Haspel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the president’s intent to nominate Mike Pompeo for Secretary of State and Gina Haspel for Director of the CIA:

“In selecting CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his nominee for Secretary of State, the president has called upon a brilliant, tough-minded leader to guide our diplomatic corps through challenging days ahead. I have every confidence in Mike. He has earned the trust of the career officers at the CIA, and I am certain he will be an excellent Secretary of State.

“Gina Haspel has dedicated her professional life to the national security of the United States, having joined the CIA in 1985. She has repeatedly proven to be a consummate intelligence officer and leader, and most recently served honorably and with distinction as Deputy Director of the CIA. The president has made an excellent choice in asking Gina to take on the responsibilities of leading the CIA and I look forward to working with her.”

Background: The Senate will consider these nominations in a timely manner. Additional details regarding confirmation hearings will be forthcoming from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Related Issues: National Security, Nominations