WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain urged his Senate colleagues Wednesday night to reject Gina Haspel’s nomination for CIA director, saying she failed to adequately answer questions about her role in the agency’s torture program at a confirmation hearing earlier in the day.
The Arizona senator is the second Republican to come out against Haspel’s confirmation, meaning that GOP leaders may not have enough votes to confirm her. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has vowed to oppose Haspel because of her role in the agency’s now-outlawed torture program.
Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate, and “no” votes by two Republicans could sink Haspel’s nomination. So far, no Democrats have announced that they will support her.
McCain’s opinion carries great weight because he is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former prisoner of war who was tortured by the Viet Cong in Hanoi during the Vietnam War. He has been an outspoken critic of the CIA’s past use of torture, which was banned during the Obama administration.
McCain, who is undergoing cancer treatment in Arizona, could help defeat Haspel’s nomination even if he is not well enough to fly to Washington, D.C., to vote. His absence also could deprive Republicans of the 51 votes they need to confirm Haspel.
“I believe Gina Haspel is a patriot who loves our country and has devoted her professional life to its service and defense,” McCain said. “However, Ms. Haspel’s role in overseeing the use of torture by Americans is disturbing. Her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying. I believe the Senate should exercise its duty of advice and consent and reject this nomination.”
Haspel testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that, if…
