Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement today on the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair:
“I wish Director Dennis Blair the very best, and thank him for his long and distinguished service to the nation. This includes a career as an Admiral, Commander of the Pacific Fleet, and Director of the Joint Staff. As DNI, he has made it his focus to bring the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies together in a concerted effort – a difficult task under the best of conditions.
As recent attempted terrorist attacks show, we face serious national security challenges. The leader of these 16 intelligence agencies is in a critical position which sets direction and speaks for the entire community. I trust the President will be looking for an individual with extensive national security credentials, and who will lead the intelligence community in meeting these challenges.
Under the National Security Act, David Gompert, the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, becomes acting DNI until the Senate confirms the President’s nominee, so there is continuity. I look forward to working with the President as he identifies his nominee.”
###
