Washington Digest: Petraeus confirmed as CIA chief

WASHINGTON -- The Senate last week confirmed Gen. David Petraeus to become director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The Senate voted 94-0 to install Petraeus, the four-star general nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed Leon Panetta as head of the CIA. Panetta replaced Robert Gates as defense secretary.

Democrats and Republicans praised Petraeus, 58, for what they said was an exemplary military career. He comes to the job after being commander of the U.S. led-NATO operation in Afghanistan, and he held a similar post in Iraq under President George W. Bush.

"This is one of the finest people we have ever had as a public servant in our country," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Reid and Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., voted to confirm Petraeus.

Senate streamlines confirmations

The Senate approved a bill to simplify the process used to confirm presidential appointments.

The measure, which was approved 79-20, would eliminate formal Senate approval of 169 out of 1,416 jobs now needing such approval. It also establishes a working group to consider other ways to streamline the confirmation process, which has become prone to holdups and delays.

Advocates for change said the process discourages potential job candidates and prevents the government from tapping top talent.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, said the reforms were long overdue.

"Over the last several decades, we've seen an amazing increase in the nominees we've had to confirm. It has gotten out of hand, and that is something both sides of the aisle can agree on," Schumer said.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., agreed that the process needed reform but not by having the Senate abdicate its responsibility to advise and consent.

"The legislation forces the Senate to give up its constitutional authority, giving more power to the executive branch. It is important that the Senate continues its role to ensure good people are put into powerful administration positions," Boozman said.

Reid voted in favor of the bill. Heller voted against it.

Cole confirmed

The Senate confirmed Deputy Attorney General James Cole as Attorney General Eric Holder's top deputy.

Cole has served in the position as a temporary appointment since January. He needed Senate confirmation to remain in the job beyond the current session of Congress.

The Senate voted 55-42 to confirm, with most Republicans opposed. Opponents challenged his role as an independent consultant to AIG in 2008 when the company nearly collapsed.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, also raised concerns, based on a 2002 article written by Cole, that he would favor civilian trials for terrorism suspects over military tribunals.

Reid voted to confirm Cole. Heller voted against the nominee.

The House was not in session last week.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau reporter Peter Urban at purban@stephensmedia.com or at 202-783-1760.