politics
Senator introduces bill to require Senate-confirmed acting intelligence directors
A Senate Intelligence Committee member introduced legislation that would prevent presidents from naming acting directors of national intelligence who lack Senate confirmation. The bill responds to the recent appointment of an acting official without prior intelligence experience.
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The measure would require the principal deputy director of national intelligence, a Senate-confirmed position, to assume acting leadership during vacancies. If that post is also vacant, the president would select from other Senate-confirmed officials including directors of the National Counterterrorism Center or National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
Background on the acting appointment The legislation follows an acting appointment made after the previous director stepped down for personal reasons. The president initially designated the principal deputy to serve on an acting basis before selecting a different official who also leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The acting appointee has no prior national security or intelligence experience. The appointment can last up to 210 days under existing law.
Provisions of the proposed legislation The bill lists additional Senate-confirmed officials who could serve if the primary positions are vacant, including leaders at the CIA, Department of Homeland Security, and National Security Agency. It also includes the intelligence community's inspector general and general counsel.
The legislation was introduced in response to concerns that the current acting arrangement bypassed the Senate confirmation process for the top intelligence post.
