Senate confirms Petraeus as next CIA director with 94-0 vote

By Josiah Ryan - 06/30/11 02:45 PM ET

The Senate on Thursday unanimously confirmed Army Gen. David Petraeus to be the next director of the CIA in a 94-0 vote.

Prior to the vote, senators from both parties lauded the four-star general, who is currently serving as the top commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

“I think that there is no doubt but that Gen. Petraeus is among the finest military officers and strategic thinkers of his generation,” said Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), who is the chairwoman of the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

“I cannot tell you how much this country owes Gen. Petraeus and his family,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. “He came into Afghanistan under difficult circumstances and the progress has been stunning.”

In floor speeches several senators also expressed confidence that his 37 years of experience in the U.S. military will serve him well in his new civilian role.

Petraeus will take over leadership of the CIA from Leon Panetta, who was confirmed in the Senate last week as the nation’s next secretary of defense.