It appears that some GOP senators are considering following the lead of Sen. John McCain in opposing the confirmation of Gina Haspel, Donald Trump’s pro-torture pick to lead the CIA.
According to The Hill on Thursday, “McCain’s opposition to Haspel comes as her nomination is facing a perilously narrow path in the Senate.”
While the Arizona senator will not able to vote on the matter due to his battle with brain cancer, he urged his fellow Republican colleagues to oppose Haspel’s nomination, saying “her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying.”
“I believe the Senate should exercise its duty of advice and consent and reject this nomination,” he added.
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With McCain unable to vote and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul in the “no” column, it wouldn’t take many GOP defections to sink her nomination. The list of undecided GOP senators remains long, too.
As The Hill noted, “If McCain were able to influence any of them, it would complicate Haspel’s path to confirmation.”
McCain’s fellow senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, said McCain’s opposition isn’t meaningless, and he will certainly take it into account before casting his vote.
“I’ve always shared his views, so his voice is important,” Flake said, according to report.
The Hill also pointed to Republican Sens. Bob Corker (TN) and Mike Rounds (SD), who said they share similar concerns about Haspel’s record with torture. So, too, does Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
The report notes that “McCain’s opposition could give cover to red and purple state Democrats to ultimately oppose the CIA nominee.”
While it’s no guarantee that the pro-torture CIA pick will be rejected in the Senate, it will be John McCain who deserves the bulk of the credit if she is.
John McCain is going out on a high note
John McCain hasn’t gotten it right on every issue, but at no point could one question his commitment to the country – particularly in the era of Donald Trump.
From his key vote to reject Obamacare repeal to his strong rejection of Trump’s response to the events in Charlottesville to his current crusade to reject a pro-torture pick to lead the CIA, McCain is going out on a high note.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum – and even if you disagree with the GOP senator most of the time – you could never question his commitment to doing what he feels is best for the country.
That’s never been more clear than today, as he puts up what could be his final major fight in the Senate before his career comes to a close.
Sean Colarossi currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was an organizing fellow for both of President Obama’s presidential campaigns. He also worked with Planned Parenthood as an Affordable Care Act Outreach Organizer in 2014, helping northeast Ohio residents obtain health insurance coverage.
