This article chronicles select congressional action concerning the MENA region during the third quarter of 2021. Congress introduced less legislation targeting the MENA region during the third quarter than in previous quarters this year. Yet, it made incremental progress on must-pass legislation and expressed strong interest in Afghanistan during this period.
WASHINGTON – William Burns appeared to glide through his confirmation hearing to become CIA director on Wednesday, winning marquee endorsements and frothy support from senators in both parties. I can t think of anybody that has the breadth of experience that you ve had in the world, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Burns at one point.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who has been a vocal critic of some CIA tactics, joked that the hearing risked becoming a full-fledged bouquet throwing contest as he heaped praise on Burns human rights record.
The hearing opened with auspicious endorsements from two bold-named statesmen. The confirmation should be a bipartisan no-brainer, former Secretary of State James Baker told the Senate Intelligence Committee. Baker said Burns helped lead the country through the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and combating Iraqi aggression.