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Gina Haspel appears to have support of both Florida senators

Rubio fully endorses her for CIA; Nelson has offered measured support.
 
Published May 9, 2018|Updated May 9, 2018

WASHINGTON — As Gina Haspel begins her confirmation hearing this morning, both Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson appear to support her to lead the CIA.

Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson appeared to indicate support earlier this year, despite Haspel's work at a CIA "black site" prison.

"The fact is that that was then, and now is now," Nelson told The Hill in March. "They were operating under what was the accepted practice of the day."

His office has not responded to a request for comment today. UPDATE 3:30 p.m. "Still undecided."

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, a member of the Intelligence Committee that Haspel is appearing before now, has praised her experience and says she will be a "great leader."

"Gina Haspel is a career intelligence officer who has served over 30 years with the CIA, and combated both communist threats and terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. She is perhaps the most highly qualified person ever nominated for this crucial national security position. Her nomination has the support of six former CIA Directors who have served under presidents of both parties, and I look forward to her rapid confirmation on the Senate floor," Rubio said in a statement.

"I implore my colleagues not to play politics with this essential nomination, and to consider what message that would send to the thousands of patriotic personnel serving our nation at agencies in Washington and around the globe, as well as what message that would send to our adversaries and those who seek us harm."

Haspel testified Wednesday that under her watch, the CIA would not resume such detention and interrogation programs.