Pelosi Statement on Obama Nominations of Blair and Panetta to Lead Intelligence Team

January 9, 2009

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on President-elect Obama's nominations of retired Admiral Dennis Blair to be Director of National Intelligence and former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"In selecting Admiral Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta to direct the intelligence community and one of its most critical agencies, President-elect Obama has chosen two strong leaders who understand well the value of timely and reliable intelligence.

"Admiral Blair had a distinguished military career in which he was not only a regular consumer of intelligence, but actively promoted a closer working relationship between the intelligence community and the military. He knows that good intelligence is critical to sound policy decisions and successful military operations.

"Leon Panetta brought impeccable judgment and unquestioned integrity to his service in difficult and demanding jobs in Congress and the executive branch. The experience he gained from his previous service and his character and values will be of great assistance as he directs the CIA. Leon Panetta understands Congress, particularly the essential oversight responsibilities Congress has, and the information needed to do the oversight job effectively. Under his leadership, I am confident that the CIA will enjoy a strong working relationship with Congress."