GOP seeks a speedy vote for CIA nominee

WASHINGTON — Republicans are pushing for a speedy confirmation vote as early as Thursday after the Senate intelligence committee endorsed President Donald Trump’s CIA nominee Gina Haspel to lead the spy agency.

But opponents concerned about Haspel’s role in CIA covert detention sites after 9/11 could delay a vote by the full Senate until next week.

The committee voted 10-5 in Haspel’s favor on Wednesday, paving the way for her expected confirmation to become the first woman to lead the CIA. Republicans leaders in the Senate want to hold that vote before the end of the week, but she is opposed by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and some Democrats who could object.

“Gina Haspel is one step closer to leading our brave men and women at the CIA,” Trump tweeted Wednesday evening. “She is exceptionally qualified and the Senate should confirm her immediately.”