Sen. Lindsey Graham said Thursday that he would support Gina Haspel as President Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director, calling for her confirmation "as soon as possible, as we live in a time of continuing threats."
"I intend to support Gina Haspel to serve as the first female director of the CIA," the South Carolina Republican said in a statement.
"She has risen through the ranks of the organization receiving high marks from all who have interacted with her.
"She also has the support of six former CIA directors serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations," he said.
Haspel, 61, who was nominated to head the agency in March by Trump, testified in open and closed confirmation hearings before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
She testified if she is confirmed by the Senate, the CIA would not undertake waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques used after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Haspel, currently the CIA deputy director, would replace Mike Pompeo, who is now Secretary of State.
She has come under attack for overseeing a CIA black site in Thailand in 2002 where terror suspects were tortured.
Haspel also reportedly helped destroy dozens of videotapes that showed such techniques used on suspects.
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, who was held in captivity for nearly six years by the Viet Cong, said Wednesday that he would oppose Haspel's nomination.
However, Graham said Haspel has "rejected the interrogation policies of the past.
"She is fully committed to following the law that prevents future abuses," he added. "This law, among others, includes the Detainee Treatment Act, which I helped author.
"The selection of Ms. Haspel will be good for morale within the CIA and give the country a seasoned intelligence expert at a time of great need," the senator said.