After a contentious confirmation battle, on Thursday the U.S. Senate voted to confirm veteran CIA agent Gina Haspel as the first female director in the 71-year history of the agency.
The 61-year-old Haspel was born in Ashland and attended the University of Kentucky before graduating from the University of Louisville.
Senators voted 54-45 to confirm the 33-year veteran of the CIA in a mostly party line vote, with six Democrats voting to confirm and two Republicans voting against her confirmation, according to news outlets.
Kentucky’s two GOP Senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, were split, with McConnell being a Haspel supporter and Paul being vehemently against her.
Haspe’s critics, including former generals and diplomats, voiced concern about her role in the now-outlawed torture program the CIA utilized following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sen. Paul cited her role in the program as a reason for not supporting her confirmation.
Haspel, though, told senators that she would not restart the torture program, even if President Donald Trump asked her to do so.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
