General Michael V. Hayden to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
GENERAL MICHAEL V. HAYDEN TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY -- (Senate - May 26, 2006)
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today the Senate will vote on confirmation of three of President Bush's nominations. Once again, the President has nominated experienced, well-qualified individuals who deserve confirmation by the Senate.
The President has nominated Brett Kavanaugh to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Mr. Kavanaugh has extensive experience in the law, having formerly served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. He later served as Associate White House Counsel, where he worked on a wide variety of legal and constitutional issues. Mr. Kavanaugh also practiced law as a partner in the Washington, DC, law firm of Kirkland & Ellis, and most recently serves as Assistant to the President and staff secretary at the White House.
Yesterday I voted in favor of the motion to invoke cloture on Mr. Kavanaugh's nomination, which now allows the Senate to give him an up-or-down vote. I am pleased that the Senate will now be allowed to vote on Mr. Kavanaugh's nomination, and I hope the Senate will continue to give fair up-or-down votes to the other well-qualified judicial nominees the President forwards to the Senate.
The President has also nominated GEN Michael Hayden as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. General Hayden is a career Air Force officer with a distinguished history of service to our country. His previous service as Director of the National Security Agency will serve him well in his new role at the CIA, where I believe he will continue to be a strong leader in service to our Nation.
Finally, the President has nominated Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to serve as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Governor Kempthorne has an impressive career in public service, having served as a United States Senator representing the State of Idaho in this body for 6 years. I am confident that his career of public service and his Western State perspective will help him be an effective and responsible steward of our country's public lands, waters, and other natural resources.
Unfortunately, a family obligation prevents me from being present during these votes. However, I support each of these nominees and, if present, would vote to confirm them. I therefore ask that the record reflect my support for each of these nominations.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
http://thomas.loc.gov