By Elaine Donnelly
Extending sexual misconduct to combat units
Five hours into Sen. Rand Paul's old-fashioned, hold-the-floor filibuster Wednesday, top Senate Democrat Harry Reid came to the floor to try to end the affair, asking whether Mr. Paul would settle for going only 30 more minutes before the chamber voted on confirmation of a CIA director.
Because of the looming conflict with Iran, Sen. Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense has attracted wide attention. Yet Senate Republicans may have a chance to advance their own national security agenda by zeroing in on John O. Brennan, President Obama's choice for CIA director.
John Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, publicly acknowledged on Monday that the U.S. has conducted targeted airstrikes against terrorists, also known as drone attacks.
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni branch, continues to be the terror network's most active affiliate and to seek opportunities to attack the U.S. homeland, Mr. Brennan said.
"It would be a mistake to believe this threat has passed," he said.
