WASHINGTON – Senator Susan Collins, R-Me., Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, made the following statement regarding today’s announced resignation of Dennis C. Blair, Director of National Intelligence, who will be stepping down May 28:
"The role of the Director of National Intelligence is critical to our nation’s fight against terrorism," said Senator Collins. "It was created by our Committee’s landmark Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in the aftermath of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.
"I want to thank Dennis Blair for his work in that difficult job. But we now need to move ahead with a strong and visionary new leader with the skills, credentials and stature necessary to lead this pivotal security post for our nation. It is critical that the next DNI have the full backing of the President and be supported in his leadership of the intelligence community."