WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of a motion to proceed on the nomination of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State:

“Tonight I voted to move forward with the nomination of Rex Tillerson to serve as Secretary of State.

“Mr. Tillerson clearly would not have been my first choice for Secretary of State. I disagree with him on many issues, including Exxon Mobil’s stance on climate change and lobbying against Russian sanctions. 

“I respect the fact that he has chosen at this point in his career to serve the nation. I know that there are many people who disagree with my decision, but I believe that he will bring a more experienced, measured voice to an Administration that has so far struggled to demonstrate any rational approach to foreign policy.”

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