WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today said Kansas’ Fourth District Congressman Mike Pompeo has the experience, knowledge and judgement to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Senator Roberts introduced Congressman Pompeo at a hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Pompeo’s nomination to be the Director of Central Intelligence. To download audio and video go here.

“At a time when democracy and freedom are under assault by radical elements fueled by hatred, our intelligence gathering services must have a strong leader who will guide their mission and ensure the safety of the American people – and not be swayed by political interference,” Roberts said. “Those who serve in or in support of the clandestine service, deserve our gratitude and our highest respect.  The best way I know how to demonstrate that respect is to give them a leader that will have their backs while at the same time, demand excellence of each and every one of them.

“Members of the Committee, Mike Pompeo will be that kind of leader, and I urge you to support his nomination.”

The following are Senator Roberts’ remarks as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice Chairman and members of the Committee. 

As one of this Committee’s former Chairman, I fully appreciate the awesome responsibility that comes with sitting on that dais. 

Not only are you charged with authorizing the intelligence activities of the United States, perhaps, more importantly, you represent the collective conscience of the American people as you oversee and scrutinize those activities.

As you know well, service on the Intelligence Committee takes place largely behind closed doors and without fanfare.  It is work that keeps you up at night, but it is work that needs to be done to ensure that our intelligence professionals have the guidance and resources they need.

Today, however, you meet in open session to consider the nomination of my friend and Kansas colleague, Congressman Mike Pompeo to be the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

My esteemed friend, Senator Bob Dole – Kansas’ favorite son – and I appreciate the opportunity to share briefly with you Mike’s background and achievements. 

Ultimately, I believe that Mike has the experience, the knowledge, the judgment, and the skills necessary to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.

Mike is Army Strong.  He graduated at the top of his class at West Point and then served as a cavalry officer patrolling the Iron Curtain before the fall of the Berlin Wall.  He later joined the 2^nd Squadron, 7^th Cavalry in the Fourth Infantry Division.

After completing his military service, Mike attended Harvard Law School where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.  Because he is an attorney, Mike understands the law. 

He will respect the limitations we have placed upon our intelligence services, and he will preserve our Constitutional values.

After practicing law, Mike returned to his mother’s roots in South Central Kansas, running several very successful businesses in Wichita before making the decision to run for Congress in 2010.

Mike came to Washington with a strong desire to serve the people of the 4^th District and ready for a challenge.  He sought a seat on the House Intelligence Committee at a time when intelligence-gathering methods were under fire. 

As an experienced legislator, Mike Pompeo understands and respects the role of Congress and the need for vigorous oversight. 

I believe he will provide the intelligence committees with candid and honest assessments and provide the information the Committee deems necessary to fulfill its oversight responsibilities.  I trust that he will also demand that of everyone who serves at the CIA.

In so doing, I know – and he knows – the difference between intel reporting and an intel product with salient input from all within the intel community, thus making sure our intel community does not become mired in assessment failure.

Mr. Chairman, there are few positions in government with greater importance than that of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. 

At a time when democracy and freedom are under assault by radical elements fueled by hatred, our intelligence gathering services must have a strong leader who will guide their mission and ensure the safety of the American people – and not be swayed by political interference.

Those who serve in or in support of the clandestine service, deserve our gratitude and our highest respect. 

The best way I know how to demonstrate that respect is to give them a leader that will have their backs while at the same time, demand excellence of each and every one of them.

Members of the Committee, Mike Pompeo will be that kind of leader, and I urge you to support his nomination.

Senator Roberts, a U.S. Marine, served as the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2002-2006.

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