The US Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel to be director of the CIA despite ingrained opposition over her involvement in the George W. Bush-era brutal interrogation techniques.
Senators on Thursday voted 54-45 to confirm Haspel’s nomination in the 100-member chamber, making her the first woman to lead the spy agency. She is a 33-year veteran at the agency currently serving as its acting director.
Six Democrats joined Republicans in voting for Haspel, and two Republican Senators Rand Paul (Ky.) and Jeff Flake (Ariz.) voted no. Republican Senator John McCain (Ariz.) also opposes her nomination but is in Arizona undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
Six Democratic senators who supported the nominee were Mark Warner (D-Va.), the vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Bill Nelson (Fla.) and Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.)
“I believe she is someone who can and will stand up to the…