Senate Considers Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan for CIA Director
By: NBC News
Updated: February 8, 2013
Today we watch to see how the votes are leaning as the U.S. Senate considers counterterrorism advisor John Brennan to head the CIA.
He won praise after Thursday's confirmation hearing where he defended drone attacks on terror suspects, and questioned waterboarding and other interrogation tactics.
John Brennan strongly aligned himself with this administration's decision to use unmanned drones, and distanced himself from how the previous administration questioned terror suspects.
It looks like John Brennan is gaining the support of several lawmakers after defending U.S. drone attacks on terror suspects - even Americans.
At least three have been killed so far. "Any American who did that should know well that they in fact are a part of an enemy against us and that the United States will do anything possible to destroy that enemy to save American lives," said John Brennan, CIA Director Nominee.
Drones are used against imminent threats, he said - not as payback.
But some are still concerned if it's legal and are concerned about what happens if the CIA takes out the wrong person. "We've got to see any and all of those legal opinions, the ones that the bipartisan group of Senators asked for, BEFORE THE VOTE," said Senator Ron Wyden, (D) Oregon.
Protests prompted lawmakers to briefly clear the room just as Brennan was getting started. "I believe it's important for you to set the record straight," said Senator Saxby Chambliss, (R) Georgia.
Brennan also tells lawmakers he objected to questionable interrogation tactics. "Waterboarding is reprehensible and it's something that should not be done," said John Brennan, CIA Director Nominee.
Democrats are confident Brennan will be confirmed. "He was honest. He was forthright. He answered the questions," said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chairwoman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
"I think you're the guy for the job and the ONLY guy for the job," declared Senator Jay Rockefeller, (D) West Virginia.
Next week the panel meets to discuss classified material.
Tracie Potts, NBC News.
