Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement on the nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to serve as Secretary of State:
“America’s Chief Diplomat needs to believe in the power of diplomacy. Mike Pompeo has a history of advocating for reckless and ignorant policies that put American troops at risk and undermine American values abroad. Director Pompeo has repeatedly defended torture, attacked Muslims for their faith, worked against the denuclearization of Iran, and turned a blind eye to Russian meddling in our elections. In addition, Director Pompeo has a troubling history of refusing to acknowledge basic human rights for LGBTQ communities and has actively worked to curtail women’s reproductive rights. Americans do not need a Secretary of State who enables this President’s worst instincts and ignorance. Our country needs a top diplomat that recognizes the importance of pursuing peace, one that represents our nation’s proud history on human rights, and that can stand up to this President when he’s wrong. That is not Pompeo, and I cannot support his nomination.”