May 18, 2020 - Politics & Policy

McConnell taps Rubio as acting chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee

Alayna Treene

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., exits a subway cart in the Senate subway — Sen. Marco Rubio exits a subway cart in the Senate subway on March 18. Photo: Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced Monday that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will serve as the acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee while a federal investigation into Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) is ongoing.

The backdrop: Last week, the FBI seized Burr's phone as part of an investigation into stock trades he made shortly before the coronavirus caused global markets to crash. The next day, McConnell announced that Burr would be stepping aside from his role as chairman of the committee during the duration of the investigation.

What they're saying: "I am glad to announce that Senator Marco Rubio has accepted my invitation to serve as Acting Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence," McConnell said in a statement Monday.

"The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters. Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service. His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier," McConnell added.
“I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr’s absence from the Chairmanship. The Committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously, and I look forward to continuing that tradition," Rubio said in a statement.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

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McConnell taps Rubio as acting chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee

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