WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement on Thursday after voting against the confirmation of Gina Haspel as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

“I struggled with this one. On one hand, I believe Deputy Director Haspel’s patriotism, knowledge and decades of experience would serve her well as Director of the CIA. On the other hand, there are things she has done and overseen that can’t be justified or forgotten. Torture doesn’t work – it’s illegal and immoral, and it ultimately makes us less safe. I appreciate Ms. Haspel’s assurances that she would never again let that happen, but given her past, that’s a leap of faith I don’t believe the U.S. Senate should have to make when confirming a nominee for such a critical job,” said Murphy. “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Connecticut and the country safe from our enemies. I know of no one more dedicated to that ideal than my friend and hero, Senator John McCain. I agree wholeheartedly with him that Ms. Haspel, while no doubt a patriot, should not lead the CIA.” 

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