[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 76 (Thursday, May 10, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RELEASE OF AMERICAN PRISONERS IN NORTH KOREA AND NOMINATION OF GINA 
                                 HASPEL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, let me begin this morning with 
gratitude to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Overnight, he completed a 
sensitive diplomatic mission and returned home from North Korea with 
three freed American prisoners. The families of these three men, and 
the entire country, are so grateful.
  This episode offers just one more example of the complex, relentless 
foreign policy challenges that confront our country. Clearly, America 
was fortunate that our new Secretary of State was prepared to execute 
his responsibilities from day one. Leadership and expertise matter.
  Yesterday, our colleagues on the Intelligence Committee heard from 
another well-prepared leader, Gina Haspel--President Trump's selection 
to head the Central Intelligence Agency. Ms. Haspel's testimony 
showcased the judgment and poise that have defined her 33-year career 
of selfless service with the Agency. Her testimony confirmed what her 
gold standard resume and her bipartisan support from seasoned national 
security leaders had actually already told us: Gina Haspel has the 
experience, the talent, and the unique skill set to excel in this 
important job at this important moment.
  Since 1985, she served the Nation in clandestine operations around 
the globe and rose to the highest levels of Agency leadership. True to 
the best traditions of intelligence professionals, numerous former 
Directors have lauded her qualifications, notwithstanding whether their 
service was for Democratic or Republican administrations. Her 
nomination carries the full-throated endorsement of 53 of our Nation's 
most respected national security leaders.
  Today, more than ever, the value of Ms. Haspel's insights and 
experiences cannot be understated. Her career has encompassed both the 
Cold War and the ongoing Global War on Terror. In a moment when our 
national security demands excellence in each of these areas--great 
power competition and counterterrorism alike--Ms. Haspel stands 
uniquely ready to assume the responsibilities of CIA Director as 
perhaps its most qualified candidate in the Agency's history. As the 
Intelligence Committee continues its consideration, I strongly urge my 
colleagues to support this fine nominee. We will all sleep better at 
night knowing Gina Haspel is on the job.

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