[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NOMINATION OF AVRIL HAINES

  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, for the information of other Senators who 
want to know if we have a vote tonight specifically on the nomination 
of Avril Haines to be Director of National Intelligence, I was the last 
person to object to holding that vote. I no longer object.
  I wanted to have a question for the record answered. Miss Haines, 
thankfully, responded to my question yesterday. I want to thank Senator 
Rubio and Senator Warner for helping us get that answer.
  Specifically, in her open session yesterday, she gave an answer to 
Senator Wyden that suggested the intelligence community might reopen 
investigations into detention interrogation programs from 2001 to 2006. 
She clarified, in the private setting that we had, that she had no 
intention to open up those investigations and expose operations 
officers inside the CIA to criminal prosecution or adverse employment 
action or even holding it against them in potential future promotions 
or placements.
  She has confirmed that in the written record. I am glad to see that 
we are not going to reopen that period.
  I want to thank Ms. Haines for providing the answer.
  Most importantly, I want to thank our brave operations and 
paramilitary operations officers in the CIA for what they do, always, 
to keep this country safe. I am ready to vote on this nomination. I 
believe the rest of the Senate is as well.
  I yield back the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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