WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama said Monday he is nominating FBI Deputy Director John S. Pistole to head up the Transportation Security Administration.
"The talent and knowledge John has acquired in more than two decades of service with the FBI will make him a valuable asset to our administration's efforts to strengthen the security and screening measures at our airports," the president said in a statement released by the White House. "I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this important role, and I look forward to working with him in the weeks and months ahead."
Pistole, whose appointment requires Senate confirmation, has been deputy director at the FBI since October 2004 and previously worked in the bureau's counterterrorism division. He started with the FBI as a special agent in 1983.
Pistole is Obama's third nominee for the post. The president's first two picks -- former FBI agent and Los Angeles airport police official Erroll G. Southers and retired Maj. Gen. Robert Harding -- withdrew their names following questions about their backgrounds.
TSA has been without a permanent leader since Kim Hawley left when Obama took office. Gale D. Rossides has been serving as acting director.
