House Approves Intelligence Bill
As the House debated an intelligence authorization bill far into the night, the focus often turned to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Porter Goss, who may be a top contender to be the next CIA director. The debate was Goss’ first public performance since he’s been spotlighted as a possible candidate to replace outgoing CIA Director George Tenet. The bill, which provides broad budgeting outlines for the budget year that begins Oct. 1, easily passed the House late Wednesday on a 360-61 vote. Goss, R-Fla., is retiring at year’s end after 16 years in Congress. Insiders have suggested the 65-year-old former CIA officer is on President Bush’s short list of possible replacements for Tenet, who is departing next month. Full Story