WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate confirmed Gina Haspel on Thursday to bedirector of the CIA, ending a bruising confirmation fight centered on herties to the spy agency’s past use of waterboarding and other brutalinterrogation techniques.
Haspel made history as she became the first woman ever to lead the CIA, isa 33-year veteran at the agency currently serving as its acting director.
The tally was 54-45 in favor of her nomination in the 100-member chamber,where a simple majority was required for confirmation.
Six Democrats joined President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans in votingfor Haspel, and two Republicans voted no.