Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Statement on Jay Clayton

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement: “I have known and respected Jay Clayton for many years and believe he is a capable public servant. The position of Director of National Intelligence is one of the most important national security jobs in government, overseeing the Intelligence Community and serving as the president’s principal intelligence advisor. Any nominee for this role deserves a thorough confirmation process and rigorous questioning before the Senate Intelligence Committee. “At the same time, the timing of this announcement raises an obvious question: if the president intended to nominate Mr. Clayton, why spend the last ten days insisting that the Intelligence Community be led by an acting director who lacks the extensive national security experience required by statute and whose appointment raises serious concerns about the politicization of intelligence? The president could have put forward a qualified nominee from the beginning. Instead, he waited until the House of Representatives went out of town, choosing a path that raises the risk of an entirely avoidable lapse in a critical national security tool. “That said, let me be clear – while I am glad to see the president finally come to his senses, before the Senate can take up a FISA extension there needs to be a clear guarantee that Mr. Pulte will not serve as acting DNI. Either Director Gabbard must remain in place or the administration must designate the Senate-confirmed Principal Deputy DNI as the acting head through any transition.” ###