Rubio Statement on Opposition to Wainstein Nomination

Letter

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement after voting not to advance Mr. Kenneth Wainstein, a Biden Administration nominee who has done work for China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), to serve as Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) at the Department of Homeland Security.

"Any nominee who is up for a key national security post and comes from a law firm or other entity that performs work for the Chinese Communist Party or a Chinese state-directed entity, like China National Offshore Oil Corporation, requires extra scrutiny," Rubio said. "Mr. Wainstein's work, however "limited,' on behalf of CNOOC raises serious questions about his judgment and in my view is disqualifying for this position. As I've said before, I hope those that wish to enter or return to public service will think carefully about working on behalf of clients who exploit our legal system in an effort to weaken and ultimately replace America on the world stage."

Rubio previously opposed the nomination of Mr. Christopher Fonzone, who had done legal work for Huawei, to serve as General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

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