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WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2004 – President Bush today announced his selection U.S. Rep. Porter Goss, a former Army intelligence officer, to take over the CIA.
"Porter Goss is a leader with strong experience in intelligence and in the fight against terrorism," Bush said at a White House ceremony with Goss at his side. After his Army service, Goss served as a CIA field operative until illness forced his early retirement. The 65-year-old Goss, Bush said, "knows the CIA inside and out," noting the congressman is "the right man" to lead the intelligence-gathering organization at a critical juncture in the nation's history. A 16-year veteran of Congress who's represented the citizens of southwest Florida, Goss chaired the House Intelligence Committee's recent investigation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Goss thanked the president, saying he was honored and "extremely grateful" for the opportunity to succeed George Tenet, who resigned as director July 11. Acting Director John McLaughlin has run the CIA since Tenet's departure. Praising the hard, dangerous work performed by CIA employees, Goss noted, "the essence of our intelligence community is people, and we have some wonderful Americans doing a great job." Goss's nomination has to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
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