SENATOR COLLINS COMMENTS ON SENATE’S APPROVAL OF NOMINATION OF REP. PORTER GOSS AS CIA DIRECTOR

Washington, DC – Today, Senator Collins joined colleagues in approving the nomination of Representative Porter Goss to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was approved by a vote of 77-17. "I am proud to stand with my colleagues today in approving the nomination of Porter Goss to the post of Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. I am confident that he will serve our nation honorably.

"At a time when our nation is at an increased risk of terrorist attack, we need an experienced leader who can hit the ground running in heading the CIA. Porter Goss is that leader. He has the knowledge and experience to lead the intelligence community while understanding the immense challenges that lie ahead in restructuring that community.

"Porter Goss is taking control of the CIA while Congress works on the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission to reorganize the intelligence community. In the Governmental Affairs Committee, which I chair, we are working through legislation this week which creates a new National Intelligence Director and a National Counterterrorism Center. The changes implemented through this legislation will certainly create new challenges for the intelligence community. I believe Porter Goss is the right person to have in this role during such a critical time in our nation's history.

"Porter Goss has assured Members of this Chamber that as Director of Central Intelligence he will act in a nonpartisan manner. It is this kind of attitude that is critical to the success of our intelligence community. The CIA needs a strong leader whose priority is protecting this nation and the freedom of its people."

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