Sen. Rand Paul
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSaudi mystery drives wedge between Trump, GOP Noisy democracy, or rude people behaving like children? Lawmakers, Wall Street shrug off Trump's escalating Fed attacks MORE (R-Ky.) announced Monday he will back CIA Director Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoSaudis say journalist killed in ‘fight’ at consulate; 18 detained Pompeo asks Mexico to help tackle migration ‘crisis’ Trump: 'FAKE NEWS' that Pompeo heard tape of Saudi journalist's death MORE's nomination as secretary of State.
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSaudi mystery drives wedge between Trump, GOP Noisy democracy, or rude people behaving like children? Lawmakers, Wall Street shrug off Trump's escalating Fed attacks MORE (R-Ky.) announced Monday he will back CIA Director Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoSaudis say journalist killed in ‘fight’ at consulate; 18 detained Pompeo asks Mexico to help tackle migration ‘crisis’ Trump: 'FAKE NEWS' that Pompeo heard tape of Saudi journalist's death MORE's nomination as secretary of State. Pompeo looked to be headed for a defeat, but if all 11 Republicans on the committee back him, he will win the panel's recommendation in an 11-10 vote even with every committee Democrat voting "no."
In explaining his U-turn, Paul said he had received assurances from President Trump
Donald John TrumpCorker: US must determine responsibility in Saudi journalist's death Five takeaways from testy Heller-Rosen debate in Nevada Dem senator calls for US action after 'preposterous' Saudi explanation MORE, who had been lobbying the libertarian senator to back Pompeo.
Donald John TrumpCorker: US must determine responsibility in Saudi journalist's death Five takeaways from testy Heller-Rosen debate in Nevada Dem senator calls for US action after 'preposterous' Saudi explanation MORE, who had been lobbying the libertarian senator to back Pompeo.Having received assurances from President Trump and Director Pompeo that he agrees with the President on these important issues, I have decided to support his nomination to be our next Secretary of State.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) April 23, 2018
Paul's previous opposition to Pompeo would have made the CIA director the first secretary of State nominee since the mid-1920s to be moved to the floor despite getting an unfavorable committee vote.
The senator previously said he would "do everything I can to block" Pompeo, citing his support of the Iraq War and views on enhanced interrogation techniques.
Paul found himself under pressure last week from Trump and some of his Republican Senate colleagues to confirm Pompeo.
“I hope that Sen. Paul will reconsider because if he changed his view then this would be over, and it really does bother me,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin GrahamCorker: US must determine responsibility in Saudi journalist's death Dem senator calls for US action after 'preposterous' Saudi explanation Trump calls Saudi explanation for journalist's death credible, arrests 'good first step' MORE (R-S.C.). “He ran for president; I ran for president; Trump beat us both. ... The election is over.”
Lindsey Olin GrahamCorker: US must determine responsibility in Saudi journalist's death Dem senator calls for US action after 'preposterous' Saudi explanation Trump calls Saudi explanation for journalist's death credible, arrests 'good first step' MORE (R-S.C.). “He ran for president; I ran for president; Trump beat us both. ... The election is over.”Sen. Heidi Heitkamp
Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampOvernight Health Care — Presented by Purdue Pharma —Senate debates highlight fight over pre-existing conditions | Support grows for Utah Medicaid expansion measure | Arkansas health official defends work requirements Election Countdown: Small-donor donations explode | Russian woman charged with midterm interference | Takeaways from North Dakota Senate debate | O'Rourke gives 'definitive no' to 2020 run | Dems hope Latino voters turn Arizona blue The Hill's 12:30 Report — Trump seizes on immigrant 'caravan' for midterms | WHCA criticizes Trump for praising lawmaker who assaulted reporter | Trump takes harder line on Saudis MORE (D-N.D.) announced last week she would vote "yes" on Pompeo, becoming the first Democrat to voice her support for the CIA director.
Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampOvernight Health Care — Presented by Purdue Pharma —Senate debates highlight fight over pre-existing conditions | Support grows for Utah Medicaid expansion measure | Arkansas health official defends work requirements Election Countdown: Small-donor donations explode | Russian woman charged with midterm interference | Takeaways from North Dakota Senate debate | O'Rourke gives 'definitive no' to 2020 run | Dems hope Latino voters turn Arizona blue The Hill's 12:30 Report — Trump seizes on immigrant 'caravan' for midterms | WHCA criticizes Trump for praising lawmaker who assaulted reporter | Trump takes harder line on Saudis MORE (D-N.D.) announced last week she would vote "yes" on Pompeo, becoming the first Democrat to voice her support for the CIA director. Her move also ensured that Republicans would not need Paul's vote to confirm Pompeo on the Senate floor.
