CIA ties

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s pick for a top intelligence post at the Homeland Security Department is expected to face questions from senators about his ties to the CIA’s harsh interrogations of terror suspects, lawmakers say.

At issue is the extent of Philip Mudd’s involvement in the CIA’s interrogation program while he was a senior official at the agency during the Bush administration. Mudd was nominated to be under secretary of intelligence and analysis at Homeland Security.

Mudd’s confirmation hearing is expected next week.

Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday Mudd’s ties to the program will be investigated.

"Even though members of this committee did not object to the program until it became politically risky, I expect the nominee will be questioned on his involvement,” Bond said.

Charlie Allen, the former top intelligence official at the Homeland Security Department and longtime senior official at the CIA, said Mudd is the right person for the job.

"He is a highly respected professional intelligence officer who is honest and is an individual of high integrity. Period,” Allen said.


by the associated press