Obama wants to extend Mueller's FBI tenure

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama proposed extending the 10-year tenure of FBI Director Robert Mueller for another two years Thursday.

"In his 10 years at the FBI, Bob Mueller has set the gold standard for leading the bureau," Obama said in a statement. "Given the ongoing threats facing the United States, as well as the leadership transitions at other agencies like the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, I believe continuity and stability at the FBI is critical at this time."

Mueller, whose term expires in September just after he turns 67, transformed the FBI after Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States into "a pre-eminent counterterrorism agency," Obama said, demonstrating extraordinary leadership and effectiveness in protecting the United States since.

"I am grateful for his leadership, and ask Democrats and Republicans in Congress to join together in extending that leadership for the sake of our nation's safety and security," Obama said.

Mueller was nominated by President George W. Bush in July 2001, and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate that August.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said a short-term legislative change extending the normal 10-year term would allow Mueller to lead the FBI "so the president's counter-terrorism team can continue to work together seamlessly."