Patrick Leahy: “in several crucial respects, the CIA today is in disarray, and fixing our premier intelligence agency must be a top…”

“in several crucial respects, the CIA today is in disarray, and fixing our premier intelligence agency must be a top priority. The CIA must become as effective as we need it to be in combating terrorism and in serving all of our national security interests. The keys to a strong and competent CIA are the independence and proficiency of its leadership. I had a lengthy private discussion with General Hayden in deciding how I would vote on his confirmation. Our discussion confirmed the confidence that I have long had in General Hayden's professionalism and competence. I remain outraged about the controversial domestic surveillance initiatives that the NSA has overseen at the White House's direction, but the fact remains that President Bush and Vice President Cheney--not General Hayden--were the ``deciders'' in ordering this surveillance of Americans, with then-White House Counsel Gonzales acting in his capacity to validate a program that was structured and operated outside the checks and balances of existing law. The CIA right now is in desperate need of professionalism after the debacle of the Agency's outgoing leadership, and my discussions with General Hayden have led me to conclude that he has the competence, the experience, and the independence to serve capably in helping to repair the damage that has been done to the Agency. I will vote for his confirmation.”