Flake to oppose Trump nominee for refugee bureau

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday said he will not support President Trump’s choice to lead the State Department’s refugee bureau.

“This nominee will not have my support,” Flake wrote on Twitter of Ronald Mortensen.

This nominee will not have my support https://t.co/qnPqVCS3tG

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) May 29, 2018

Flake, a frequent critic of the president, referenced a Politico article published last week that noted Mortensen was facing criticism for his positions on immigration. Mortensen is a vocal opponent of illegal immigration.

{mosads}

The White House last week announced its intention to nominate Mortensen to serve as the assistant secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, a position that would put him in charge of providing assistance to asylum seekers and refugees should Mortensen be confirmed by the Senate.

Flake, who is retiring at the end of his current term, earlier this month opposed the nomination of Gina Haspel to serve as the new CIA director.

“Congress needs to be able to provide fully informed oversight. My questions about Ms. Haspel’s role in the destruction of videotapes relevant to discussions occurring in Congress regarding the program have not been adequately answered,” Flake said at the time of Haspel’s nomination.

Haspel went on to be confirmed by a 54-45 vote in the upper chamber.