Senator Kamala D. Harris Presses Pompeo on Russian Interference in the Election & National Security Impact of Global Climate Change

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris today questioned Central Intelligence Agency Director nominee U.S Representative Michael Pompeo on the recent intelligence report concerning Russia and expressed deep concern about the national security implications of foreign influence in our election.

Harris requested that Pompeo confirm whether or not he accepts the findings of the report produced by the CIA, FBI and NSA, which assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election. Harris remains deeply concerned about any potential effort to allow for the manipulation of intelligence for political purposes in the Trump Administration, and believes all U.S. intelligence officials and leadership must do everything in their power to defend against foreign intervention and threats to U.S. institutions.

Additionally, Harris questioned Pompeo on his skepticism about climate change in the face of overwhelming evidence. Harris quoted CIA Director John Brennan, a 25-year career CIA official who stated, "When CIA analysts look for deeper causes of this rising instability, they find nationalistic, sectarian, and technological factors that are eroding the structure of the international system…they also see socioeconomic trends, the impact of climate change, and other elements that are cause for concern."

"Do you have any reason to doubt the assessment of these CIA analysts?" Harris asked, asserting the need for a CIA Director who, when presented with overwhelming agreement on an analytic judgement from a broad community of experts, is willing to acknowledge the collective weight of the evidence and expertise, even if those conclusions are politically inconvenient or require the revision of previously held beliefs.

Harris also discussed two issues that would impact workforce morale and equality at the CIA, including the treatment of LGBT and Muslim Americans who serve often with great distinction at the agency. Harris remains deeply concerned that if the any part of the U.S. government -- including the CIA -- adopts discriminatory practices, it will not only violate our values but also result in a less effective workforce.

Harris noted Pompeo's longstanding opposition to marriage equality and requested that the nominee commit that his personal views would not impact workplace norms or policies at the CIA, including childcare services, family benefits and accompanied posts for dependents, if he is confirmed.

Regarding Muslim Americans, Harris said she was concerned about rhetoric on Muslim Americans from high profile members of the incoming administration, in particular Lieutenant General Michael Flynn.

"I don't want that to impact recruitment or retention of the patriotic and critically important Muslim men and women of the CIA, some of course have taken great risks to serve our country," Harris asked.

In addition to the Select Committee on Intelligence, Harris serves as a member of the Committees on Budget, Homeland Security and Environment & Public Works.

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