Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, has announced her support for John Ratcliffe as the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Senate confirmed Ratcliffe with a vote of 74 to 25.

Senator Capito expressed her approval of President Trump's choice, stating: “John Ratcliffe is a strong choice by President Trump to serve as CIA Director. The men and women of the CIA have some of the most difficult, most impactful jobs in our government. They need a leader to provide a steady hand as they carry out the dangerous work that keeps Americans safe."

Capito highlighted Ratcliffe's previous experience, noting: "I have confidence that Mr. Ratcliffe will bring his valuable experience as Director of National Intelligence to this role, empowering our CIA to excel in its operations while trimming any bureaucratic hurdles that detract from its core missions."

She also emphasized her readiness to collaborate with him in her capacity on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, saying: "As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with him to provide the CIA with the resources it needs to protect the American people.”

Before his confirmation, Senator Capito met with Ratcliffe in December 2024 to discuss his nomination and gain insight into his plans for leading the agency.