Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman hails Gina Haspel as ‘most prepared nominee’ in CIA’s history
Democrats trying to derail Gina Haspel confirmation
9/11 family member Joe Connor shares his insight on 'Fox & Friends First.'
The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee described Gina Haspel, Trump’s pick for CIA director, as “the most prepared nominee in its 70-year history” -- at the start of what promised to be a tough confirmation hearing over her alleged role in the post-9/11 detention and interrogation program.
“You are without a doubt the most qualified person the president could have chosen to lead the CIA and the most prepared nominee in its 70 year history,” Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. said at the opening to Haspel’s confirmation hearing. “You have acted morally ethically and legally over a distinguished 30 plus year career.”
Haspel, currently the deputy CIA director, was chief of a base at a black-site prison in Thailand in 2002, where controversial interrogation techniques were used on detainees -- including waterboarding.
In her opening remarks, Haspel was expected to say that under her leadership, the CIA would not resume the post-9/11 detention and interrogation programs.
Senate Democrats have questioned her fitness to run the agency due to their objections to interrogation techniques. They have also complained that the CIA has failed to declassify enough information about her career, leaving the public in the dark about what sort of CIA director she may be. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has also said he will not vote for her confirmation.
But she's also received broad bipartisan praise from past officials and support from the intelligence community.
At the beginning of the hearing, Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., called her “a natural fit” for the role, and warned her opponents on the panel of turning the hearing into a "trial about a long-shuttered program."
“Those who have issued with programs or operations conducted years ago should address those concerns and questions to former presidents, former directors and former attorneys general,” he said.
Ahead of her hearing on Wednesday, a number of protesters were removed from the committee room, yelling “no more torture” and “say no to Gina.” A number of “Code Pink” protesters remained in attendance.
Some outlets have accused Haspel of taking part in the waterboarding of Abu Zubaydah, an alleged Al-Qaeda terrorist. News site ProPublica, originator of the allegations, has since retracted the article, saying Haspel arrived to the base after the interrogation of Zubaydah ended.
But Haspel has broad support from the intelligence community and also from former Obama-era officials.
Leon Panetta, former CIA director and secretary of defense, said in a quote issued by the White House: “I’m glad it’s Gina because frankly she is someone who really knows the CIA inside out.”
She has also found significant support from Republicans, some of whom have made full-throated endorsements of her nomination.
“Haspel’s opponents have tried to use a small sliver of her career against her by arguing, essentially, that she was just too tough on Al Qaeda for this country to bear,” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said in an op-ed for FoxNews.com. “But I’d argue that her willingness to serve in what was a highly stressful post only enhances the case for her confirmation.”
Fox News is told that the full committee likely won’t vote on her confirmation until next week. Haspel was reportedly preparing for the tough hearing by practicing her answers at mock confirmation hearings with former intelligence officials
With the absence of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and the lack of support from Paul, it means that there is a maximum of 49 GOP votes for Haspel -- meaning that for her to be confirmed some moderate Democrats would need to back her.
A senior Senate Democratic source indicated that Haspel would win support of several Democrats, and that it was unclear if the Democratic leadership would whip against Haspel.
Haspel's is the latest in a series of tough Trump-era confirmation fights. Pompeo was confirmed only after a contentious vote, while nominee for VA Secretary, Dr. Ronnie Jackson, withdrew from consideration after allegations over his conduct as White House doctor.
Fox News’ Jason Donner, Chad Pergram, Lukas Mikelionis and The Associated Press contributed to this report.