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Bush Chooses Goss to Lead CIA
By Bobby Eberle
Talon News
August 10, 2004
WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- Speaking from the Rose Garden Tuesday morning, President George W. Bush announced the selection of Rep. Porter Goss (R-FL) to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
With Goss next to him, Bush said, "Porter Goss is a leader with strong experience in intelligence and the fight against terrorism. He knows the CIA inside and out."
"He's the right man to lead this important agency at this critical moment in our nation's history," Bush added. "The work of the CIA is vital to our security."
Bush said Goss "is well prepared for this mission. He knows the agency and he knows what's needed to strengthen it."
Goss is currently chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has served on the Select Committee for Homeland Security, and is well respected on both sides of the congressional aisle.
Goss, 65, served 10 years as a U.S. intelligence officer, before running for Congress from Florida, and said he is honored to be the president's choice and looks forward to working with the men and women of the CIA.
"What many Americans don't realize is we've got a lot of people around the globe doing very, very hard work -- long hours in dangerous situations," said Goss.
"I look forward to the challenges of the future," Goss added. "I also look forward to the confirmation process."
George Tenet, former CIA director, left the agency July 11. His leadership and the performance of the CIA in recent years had been heavily criticized by the 911 Commission and Congress.
If confirmed to his new position by the Senate, Goss would be the second congressman to lead the CIA. Former President George H. W. Bush was the first.
Copyright © 2004 Talon News -- All rights reserved.
