The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held a hearing on the nomination of John Brennan to become director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Brennan, who had served in the CIA for 25 years. Mr. Brennan defended anti-terrorist attacks by unmanned drones and said lethal strikes were only used as a last resort. He also said that he was not certain the use of water-boarding in interrogations had produced valuable information. Other topics addressed included security leaks and counter-terrorism efforts against al-Qaeda
Committee Chair Feinstein stopped the hearing for a few minutes to clear the room after several outbursts from protesters delayed the hearing. Members of the public wishing to return to the hearing had to be screened by Capitol Police.