Austin News

On January 15, 2025, during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, U.S. Senator John Cornyn expressed strong support for John Ratcliffe's nomination as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ratcliffe, a former Congressman and Director of National Intelligence, has been nominated under the incoming Trump administration.

Cornyn highlighted his long-standing acquaintance with Ratcliffe, stating, "I have the distinction of having known you longer than anybody else on this committee." He further expressed confidence in Ratcliffe's capabilities by saying, "I have every confidence that you will do an outstanding job as the next Director of the CIA."

Reflecting on Ratcliffe's career progression from the private sector to acting U.S. Attorney and then to Congress, Cornyn remarked, "I’ve known you for a long time and watched your career from the private sector, to acting U.S. Attorney for a while, to a member of Congress." He also recalled introducing Ratcliffe at his previous confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence.

Cornyn concluded his remarks with unwavering support for Ratcliffe's qualifications: "I don’t really have any doubt about your qualifications."