U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine, who reportedly was under consideration by President-elect Joe Biden for director of national intelligence, is praising Biden’s choice of Avril Haines to serve in the nation’s top intelligence post.
In a written statement, King said Haines is “a smart, experienced” professional who has spoken out on the need to keep politics out of the intelligence community.
If confirmed, Haines would be the first woman to hold the post. She has previously served as deputy director of the CIA and as deputy national security advisor to President Barack Obama.
She faces a confirmation vote in the Senate after Biden formally nominates her.
