WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today issued the following statement on his opposition to the nomination of Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo to serve as the next Secretary of State:

“I do not support Director Pompeo’s nomination to serve as Secretary of State, which is a very different role than the one he plays at the CIA. 

“America needs an experienced diplomat with a strong voice who will serve as a check on an impulsive, inexperienced President and undertake a sustained effort to rebuild the State Department and restore the morale of its dedicated public servants. 

“I also have grave concerns that his long and public support for rejecting the Iran nuclear agreement -- which runs counter to Secretary Mattis’ view -- will lead to greater instability in the Middle East and make America less secure.”