Senate to hear from CIA director nominee Brennan

The Senate will have an opportunity next week to grill John Brennan — President Obama’s nominee to take over as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In a rare open hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, senators will decide if Brennan has what it takes to lead the CIA. Brennan has been serving as Obama’s chief counterterrorism adviser.

Brennan should expect tough questions from lawmakers on his knowledge of “enhanced interrogation techniques,” such as “waterboarding,” which were used on suspected terrorists during the Bush administration.

If confirmed by the Senate, Brennan would replace acting CIA director Michael Morell, who took over after David Petraeus resigned amid a sex scandal last November.

The Senate has few other hearings scheduled next week because Democratic senators are holding a retreat on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Details on these Senate hearings follow:

Senate Environment and Public Works

- Feb. 7, “Oversight Hearing on Implementation of Corps of Engineers Water Resources Policies”

10:30 a.m., 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

- Feb. 7, "No Child Left Behind: Early Lessons from State Flexibility "

10 a.m., 216 Hart Senate Office Building

Senate Intelligence

- Feb. 7, “Nomination of John O. Brennan to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency”

2:30 p.m., 216 Hart Senate Office Building

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