James Clapper was confirmed Aug. 5 as U.S director of national intelligence (DNI) two days after Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who had placed a hold on the nomination, received a long-sought classified report on troubled intelligence technology programs.
“This afternoon, Senator McCain received the report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that he first requested nearly one year ago, and as a result he is releasing his hold on General Clapper’s nomination,” McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said in an Aug. 3 statement. “This report confirms Senator McCain’s longstanding concerns about the poor oversight and cost overruns in intelligence technology programs.”
As director of national intelligence, Clapper, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, will be responsible for overseeing and integrating the activities of the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies. However, the position comes with no budget authority.
