July 29, 2019

Wyden Statement on the Nomination of Rep. John Ratcliffe as Director of National Intelligence

Washington, D.C.— Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on the nomination of Rep. John Ratcliffe to serve as Director of National Intelligence:

“Congressman Ratcliffe is the most partisan and least qualified individual ever nominated to serve as Director of National Intelligence. The sum total of his qualifications appears to be his record of promoting Donald Trump's conspiracy theories about the investigation into Russian interference and calling for prosecution of Trump's political enemies. Furthermore, he has endorsed widespread government surveillance and shown little concern for Americans’ rights, except for those of Donald Trump and his close associates,” Wyden said.

“Confirming this individual would amount to an endorsement of this administration's drive to politicize our intelligence agencies. This is a dangerous time, and America needs the most qualified and objective individuals possible to lead our intelligence agencies. Anything less risks American lives."

###