US Senate confirms Brennan as CIA Director

He was was nominated by a vote of 63 to 34 yesterday, Obama says CIA will be led by one of their own

The US Senate has confirmed John Brennan as the next director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Currently, the counter terrorism adviser to the US President Barack Obama, Brennan was nominated by a vote of 63 to 34 yesterday.

The vote was delayed by a 13-hour long filibuster by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Connecticut in pursuit of more information about the administration’s domestic drone policy.

Welcoming the nomination, Obama said that the Senate has recognised Brennan's qualities and determination to keep US safe along with his commitment to work with Congress and build relationships with foreign partners.

"With John's 25 years of experience at the Agency, our extraordinary men and women of the CIA will be led by one of their own. I am especially appreciative to Michael Morell for being such an outstanding Acting Director and for agreeing to continue his service as Deputy Director," he said.

He added that the timely accurate intelligence is absolutely critical to disrupting terrorist attacks, dismantling al-Qaeda along with its affiliates and meeting the broad array of security challenges that we face as a nation.

"John's leadership and our dedicated intelligence professionals will be essential in these efforts. I am deeply grateful to John and his family for their continued service to our nation," he said.