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McCain Blocks Obama's Nominee for Intel Director

Retired Gen. James Clapper AP

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has placed a hold on President Obama's choice for Director of National Intelligence, retired Gen. James Clapper.

The senator is blocking Clapper's nomination while waiting for a report he requested from the general. His office declined to specify the nature of the report.

Last week, the Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously approved Clapper's nomination. The whole Senate was expected to take up the matter this week, but the vote will now likely take place after the Senate comes back from its August recess.

The president chose Clapper to replace retired Adm. Dennis Blair, who stepped down in May after a rocky 16-month tenure. Blair's office and other intelligence agencies were criticized for their performance ahead of the failed Christmas Day bombing attempt.

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