Gina Haspel could become CIA director with full Senate approval

The Senate Intelligence Committee voted Wednesday to advance President Donald Trump’s pick for CIA director.

Gina Haspel, a career intelligence official whose background with the agency’s nefarious torture programs, could become the CIA’s first female director if the full Senate approves her nomination.

Haspel’s controversial nomination has sparked renewed debate over brutal interrogation practices used on terror suspects after 9/11.

The 61-year-old was involved in supervising a secret CIA detention site in Thailand and was connected to the destruction of videotapes documenting interrogation sessions with detainees.

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During her confirmation hearing last week, Haspel said she doesn’t believe torture works and that her “strong moral compass” would prevent her from carrying out any presidential order she found objectionable.

Haspel also said she would not permit the spy agency to resume its torture program.

Critics, including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), have questioned whether appointing Haspel would further damage the CIA’s image worldwide.

Daphne Eviatar with Amnesty International on Tuesday called Haspel’s nomination an “affront to human rights.”