Heinrich Statement On Senate Intelligence Committee Vote To Approve Brennan For CIA Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Intelligence Committee today voted 12-3 to advance to the full Senate the nomination of John Brennan to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), who serves on the committee, released the following statement after the vote:

“Today I voted in support of John Brennan’s nomination to be CIA Director.  Mr. Brennan is a dedicated public servant who has protected our nation against those who would do us harm.  He will continue to do so once confirmed. 

“In his State of the Union address last month, the President pledged to execute our counterterrorism policies in a way that is more transparent to Congress and to the American people, and consistent with our nation’s laws and system of checks and balances. I’m pleased that he followed through on that commitment by providing the Senate Intelligence Committee full access to documents outlining his authority to use lethal force against U.S. citizens in counter terrorism operations. Review of these materials is of fundamental importance to fulfill our oversight responsibilities and is necessary in considering this nomination.”