FBI Director Extension Act, 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMITH of Texas. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this September 11 marks the 10-year anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. America is fortunate not to have suffered another attack of such magnitude and devastation in the past decade. America has remained safe but not because those who are determined to deny us our freedoms and destroy our way of life have given up. We are safe because of the men and women who serve our country with devotion and distinction--those who serve in our Armed Forces, our intelligence community, and our law enforcement agencies.

These public servants and their families make tremendous sacrifices to keep us safe and to keep terrorists on the run. Their work is often unrecognized and underappreciated. In addition to ensuring that terrorists are denied victory, some of our public servants also protect us from crime and ensure that justice is served.

The agency that is charged with this unique duty is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI director is limited to a 10-year nonrenewable term. Congress imposed this restriction to ensure political independence and to act as a restraint on unbridled power and the potential for misuse of that power.

In just a few weeks, the current FBI director, Robert S. Mueller, III, will conclude his 10-year term. The President has asked for a one-time 2-year extension for Mr. Mueller to ensure continuity in America's national security team. The killing of Osama bin Laden and personnel changes in key national security posts make these unusual times that justify a short-term extension.

Director Mueller has shown himself a dedicated public servant who has kept terrorists at bay and reduced crime.

Mr. Mueller assumed leadership of the FBI on September 4, 2001, just 1 week prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001. During his tenure, he has reformed the FBI to ensure that it is able to address not only terrorist threats, but also threats posed by traditional criminals. This request for an extension was made not by Mr. Mueller but by the President of the United States.

Mr. Mueller has agreed to accept this extension if it is approved by Congress. It's not every day that the House, the Senate, and the White House can agree, but this is something we all can agree is essential.

This bill creates a new, one time only 2-year term of service for the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Mueller will be eligible to be appointed to this new term of service with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Senate will hold a confirmation vote after the President signs this bill.

This new term would expire on September 4, 2013, after which, Mr. Mueller would no longer serve as director. This bill does not prevent the President from appointing a different individual to a new tenured term by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

If the President wants to continue the services of the incumbent, this bill allows that to happen for a limited time and in a constitutional manner. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to continue the service of FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, for an additional 2 years.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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