Mike Pompeo Confirmed by Senate and Sworn in as Head of CIA

Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate and has been sworn in as the Director of the CIA. Pompeo is the third person appointed by President Donald Trump to be confirmed to his cabinet position, as Senate Democrats and Chuck Schumer play petty party politics in delaying Trump’s choices. The vote was 66-32. Pompeo was sworn in Monday evening by Vice President Pence.

The Senate on Monday confirmed Rep. Mike Pompeo to be director of the CIA, following a spirited debate in which Democrats expressed concern about his stances on domestic surveillance, data collection and torture.

The vote was 66 to 32, with a majority of Democrats voting no — as well as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Pompeo was subsequently sworn in.

“The president and I are confident in your abilities and know you will rise to the challenge to lead the Central Intelligence Agency,” Vice President Mike Pence said at the swearing-in.