President Barack Obama announced Thursday that he wants FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, whose ten-year term will expire on September 4, to get an extra two years to head the bureau.
“In his ten years at the FBI, Bob Mueller has set the gold standard for leading the Bureau,” Obama said in a statement. “Given the ongoing threats facing the United States, as well as the leadership transitions at other agencies like the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, I believe continuity and stability at the FBI is critical at this time.”
“Bob transformed the FBI after September 11, 2001 into a pre-eminent counterterrorism agency, he has shown extraordinary leadership and effectiveness at protecting our country every day since,” Obama said. “He has impeccable law enforcement and national security credentials, a relentless commitment to the rule of law, unquestionable integrity and independence, and a steady hand that has guided the Bureau as it confronts our most serious threats. I am grateful for his leadership, and ask Democrats and Republicans in Congress to join together in extending that leadership for the sake of our nation’s safety and security.”
An extension of Mueller’s term would also allow Obama to push a confirmation battle for the key law enforcement position until after the 2012 campaign. The White House first began looking at candidates to replace Mueller back in the spring of 2010.
Attorney General Eric Holder also lined up in support of extending Mueller’s term, saying in a statement that the director “has earned the confidence of two Presidents for his ability to lead and his calmness under fire.”
“A short-term legislative change will allow Bob to remain at the FBI for an additional two years so the President’s counterterrorism team can continue to work together seamlessly,” Holder said in a statement. “The United States faces ongoing threats from terrorists intent on attacking us both at home and abroad, and it is crucial that the FBI have sustained, strong leadership to confront that threat. There is no better person for that job than Bob Mueller. I hope he will be allowed to continue providing the able leadership and unquestioned integrity for which he is known for the remainder of the President’s term.”
Late Update: A spokesman for Mueller declined to comment and referred questions to the White House. Obama’s decision to extend his term has the backing of Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and the FBI Agents Association.
Ryan J. Reilly
Ryan J. Reilly is a D.C.-based reporter for TPM. Prior to joining TPM, he worked for a news website covering the Justice Department and was a researcher for Bloomberg News. His email address is ryan(at)talkingpointsmemo.com.
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