Nomination of Avril Haines

Floor Speech

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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.

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