John Brennan sworn in as CIA director

WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- John Brennan was sworn in as CIA director Friday with his hand on an original draft of the Constitution with notes from George Washington, the White House said.

"Brennan had requested a document from the National Archives that would symbolize that the United States is a nation of laws," deputy White House press secretary Josh Earnest said during the daily briefing. "And before he was sworn in, Director Brennan told the president that he made the request to the archives because he wanted to reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law as he took the oath of office as director of the CIA."

Vice President Joe Biden swore in Brennan as the new chief of the Central Intelligence Agency. He succeeds David Petraeus, who resigned in November after news of his extramarital affair came to light.

The U.S. Senate voted 63-34 Thursday to confirm Brennan.

His confirmation was delayed by a nearly 13-hour filibuster by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who demanded the Obama administration explain its policy on use of drones against U.S. citizens. Brennan is an architect of the drone program.