By Ben Feller
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Senior administration officials tell The Associated Press that President Barack Obama will seek permission from Congress so that FBI Director Robert Mueller can remain in his position an extra two years beyond the 10-year limit mandated by law.
The White House was to disclose Obama’s decision later Thursday. The official spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the president had not yet announced the news.
Mueller was appointed by Republican President George W. Bush and began serving immediately before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The official said Obama wants Mueller’s leadership and stability at a time of transition in the administration’s national security team, including at the top of the Defense Department and the CIA.
Copyright 2011 Associated Press