Merkley Statement on Haspel Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate voted on the nomination of Gina Haspel to serve as CIA Director:

“A thorough review of Gina Haspel’s record makes it clear that she was not only involved in the torture program, she was a passionate advocate and defender of the program. That is deeply disturbing and makes her profoundly unfit to run the CIA.

“Torture is morally reprehensible and goes against everything America stands for as a nation. Employing torture also puts our troops at greater risk, inflaming anti-American sentiments abroad and increasing the chances that our troops could be tortured if captured.

“Deputy Director Haspel failed important tests of judgment, and I am profoundly disappointed that the Senate confirmed her today.”

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