WASHINGTON: Legislation was introduced to the US Senate on Thursday that would allow FBI director Robert Mueller to stay on as head of the country's domestic intelligence service for another two years.
US law provides one 10-year term for the FBI director in an effort to keep him out of the political process, and Mueller's is set to expire in September.
Named to the FBI post by President George W. Bush just a week before Sept. 11, 2001, Mueller has been heavily involved in the government's anti-terrorism efforts, and President Barack Obama has asked the Senate to allow him to stay on.
The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy, told his colleagues that Mueller's term in office should be extended "without delay."
"We should fulfill our duty, as well, and join together without delay to secure the continuity and stability that is demanded at this time, and that is needed to keep our country safe," Leahy said.
Senator Chuck Grassley, the senior Republican Senator on the committee, agreed that extending Mueller's term was the "right decision." But, he said, he had certain reservations because of the "constitutional and precedential concerns associated with this action."
The legislation will be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration and a vote.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011
Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011
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