WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today applauded Senate confirmation of Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) as Director of Central Intelligence (CIA). 

“Kansans and all Americans can be proud Mike Pompeo will lead the CIA,” Roberts said. “Mike will be the director our nation needs at a time of increasing and varying global threats. 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. I am proud my colleagues agree that Mike Pompeo is the right person for the job.”

Roberts spoke on the Senate floor prior to today’s vote. Watch that video by clicking the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJTOd7uYKus

Roberts’ full remarks are below:

Mr. President, I rise today to speak in favor of President Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Congressman Mike Pompeo. 

To continue to delay confirmation of Congressman Pompeo would be a disservice to the nation and the security of the American people.

Two weeks ago, I had the honor and privilege of introducing my colleague from Kansas during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

More than enough time has passed for all Senators to acquaint themselves with the pertinent qualifications of the President’s nominee.

As a long serving member of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike has the merits for the job.

He 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. 

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. 

Aside from the many question posted to Congressman Pompeo, this is the salient point: 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 4th 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. 

Again, a salient point: as an experienced legislator, Mike Pompeo understands and respects the role of Congress and the need for vigorous oversight. 

I know he will provide the House and Senate Intelligence Committees with candid and honest assessments and provide the information the committees deem necessary to fulfill their oversight responsibilities. 

I know 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 or political controversy.

Mr. President, 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.

Now, we must demonstrate the respect we have – all of us in this chamber have – for the men and women of the Intelligence Community by giving them a leader that will have their backs while at the same time, demand excellence of each and every one of them.

Mike Pompeo will be that kind of leader, and I strongly urge every one of my colleagues to support his nomination. We have had ample time for debate. Now, it is time to confirm.

Mr. President, I yield back the remainder of my time. 

Roberts also introduced Pompeo at his nomination hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence last week and said Pompeo has the experience, knowledge and judgement to lead the CIA.

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

# # #