(The following story by R.G. Edmonson appeared on the Journal of Commerce website on June 25, 2010.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate on Friday afternoon confirmed on a voice vote John S. Pistole to be the administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.
Pistole, a former FBI deputy director, was the president’s third candidate to head the 56,000-employee agency.
At confirmation hearings before the Senate commerce and homeland security committees, Pistole got praise for expertise in antiterrorism activities, and administrative experience. Republicans raised issues about unionization of TSA security officers. Pistole said he had been directed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to do a thorough review of the subject.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., said Pistole’s appointment came at an important moment. “Given the importance of its mission, TSA has been without a leader for far too long.”