King approves spook shuffle

Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement in response to news that President Obama intends to nominate Leon Panetta to be Secretary of Defense and Gen. David Petraeus to be Director of the CIA:
 
I strongly support the President's planned nominations. Director Panetta has done an outstanding job at the CIA, and General Petraeus has distinguished himself as one of the great American military leaders. Both men currently play integral roles in our Nation's war against al Qaeda and its affiliates and will be instrumental as we continue to combat the terrorist threat.
 
Director Panetta has had important success in stabilizing the CIA workforce and played a critical role in indentifying and disrupting terrorist plots against the United States.
 
General Petraeus is a patriot who has served honorably and admirably whenever and wherever the President has asked.
 
King is the only Member of Congress to currently serve on both the Committee on Homeland Security and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.