WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to be the next Secretary of State:  

“I have had a productive working relationship with Mike Pompeo, and I believe that he has been an effective Director of the CIA. But I expect America’s top diplomat to be a forceful advocate for American values around the world – values like freedom, diversity, equality, and tolerance – and I was disappointed that Director Pompeo did not take the opportunity offered during the confirmation process to repudiate some of the extreme views he expressed during his time in Congress. While I will oppose his nomination, it is my fervent hope that as Secretary of State, Mr. Pompeo will stand up in defense of those values that have long made our country a beacon of hope and freedom for people all around the world. If he does, he can count on my assistance and support.”

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