Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) says he'll vote for President Trump's controversial nominee for CIA Director Gina Haspel. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) announced Saturday he will vote for President Donald Trump's nominee for CIA Director Gina Haspel.
The Hoosier senior senator becomes the second Democrat to publicly announce their backing for the controversial nominee.
Haspel has been sharply criticized for her role in the Bush administration's enhanced interrogation program – considered by many to be torture.
Donnelly met with Haspel this week and had what he describes as a "tough, frank" conversation with her. He says he believes she's "learned from her past."
"And we need somebody there who understands the agency, who is a strong leader," Donnelly says.
Donnelly says Haspel also pledged to provide what he calls "unvarnished assessments" to both Congress and the president.