Second Democrat to support CIA nominee

WASHINGTON >> Gina Haspel’s nomination to be CIA director received a crucial boost Saturday when Sen. Joe Donnelly became the second Democrat to support President Donald Trump’s choice despite questions about her role in the previous decade’s controversial interrogation program.

The senator from Indiana, who met with Haspel on Thursday, said in a statement that he had “a tough, frank, and extensive discussion” with her that covered both her vision for the agency and its past use of “enhanced” interrogations against terrorist captives, including methods such as waterboarding that are widely considered torture. While some senators still have not publicly declared their position, Donnelly’s backing is likely to give Haspel enough support to win at least 50 votes, the bare minimum for confirmation.

During her confirmation hearing, Haspel pledged to abide by the current law that forbids those methods and that she would reject an order from Trump to use those techniques against a terrorist now.

“I believe that she has learned from the past, and that the CIA under her leadership can help our country confront serious international threats and challenges,” Donnelly said in the statement released Saturday morning.

Donnelly joins Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., as the only other Democrat to announce support for Haspel.