William Burns Confirmed as CIA Director

William Burns Confirmed as CIA Director
William Burns, then nominee for CIA director, testifies during his confirmation hearing, in Washington, on Feb. 24, 2021. Tom Williams/Pool via AP
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The Senate on Thursday confirmed without opposition veteran diplomat William Burns as director of the CIA, giving him control of the nation’s premier spy agency as the U.S. government confronts a diverse array of international threats from China, Russia, Iran and elsewhere.

The approval, by voice vote, came soon after Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) lifted a hold he had placed on the nomination.