Hayden confirmed as head of CIA

The US Senate has confirmed the appointment
of General Michael Hayden as the head of the CIA.


Gen Hayden's confirmation was
welcomed by President Bush

26 May 2006

BBC News

Gen Hayden, approved by 78 votes to 15, is the first active or retired military officer to head the CIA in 25 years.

Gen Hayden, President Bush's nominee for the post, replaces Porter Goss, who resigned earlier this month.

Critics have questioned putting a military man in charge but Gen Hayden says he that will remain independent of the Pentagon.

Gen Hayden, 61, a four-star general, has been the leading deputy to National Intelligence Director John Negroponte.

Agency head

President George W Bush welcomed the confirmation.

"Winning the war on terror requires that America have the best intelligence possible, and his strong leadership will ensure that we do," he said in a statement.

"Gen Hayden is a patriot and a dedicated public servant whose broad experience, dedication and expertise make him the right person to lead the CIA at this critical time."

Gen Hayden was head of the National Security Agency for several years.

Some Democrats had expressed concern about the agency's eavesdropping programme, which monitors phone calls and e-mails of US citizens without warrants as part of the Bush administration's war on terror.

The previous head, Mr Goss, resigned after reported disagreements with Mr Negroponte over the future of the agency.