STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD OF STEPHEN W. PRESTON
SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
Thank you, Madam Chairman, Mr. Vice Chairman, and members of the Committee. I
am greatly honored to appear before you as the President’s nominee to be General Counsel of the
Central Intelligence Agency. With your indulgence, I would like to introduce the members of
my family: my wife and children. These are the most important people in my life, and it is
because of them that I am here today, prepared to undertake what I expect will be the most
meaningful, and likely the most difficult, job in my professional life. I want to thank President
Obama and Director Panetta for their trust and confidence in me. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with you, the Director, and the fine men and women of the CIA to confront the ongoing
threats to our national security and, ultimately, to protect families like mine all over this country.
This is a dangerous time for the United States and a challenging time for the Central
Intelligence Agency. The threat of radical jihadist terrorists is real, immediate and unrelenting,
and in the fight against them the Agency is at the very tip of the spear. America is counting on
the Agency to help disrupt and dismantle al Qa’ida, and to learn the intentions of our other
adversaries. We will do this, through the quiet efforts and untold sacrifices of the talented and
dedicated men and women who are the Agency. At the same time, the Agency must respond to
continued scrutiny concerning past practices. We will do this, too, cooperating with this
Committee in its review, supporting those who sought and followed authoritative legal guidance,
and all the while remaining focused on our vital mission going forward.
The General Counsel has no role more important than ensuring the CIA’s compliance
with applicable laws of the United States. If I am confirmed, I will assume this responsibility
with the utmost seriousness. I believe I have had a good deal of useful experience, having spent

US1DOCS 7169671v1

most of my career in law and national security, both in government – as General Counsel of the
Department of the Navy, and as Principal Deputy General Counsel and Acting General Counsel
of the Department of Defense, as well as at the U.S. Department of Justice – and more recently
in private practice. I also bring to the job strong commitments, to public service and the
protection of U.S. national security, to the rule of law in our society and adherence to the law in
what we do, and to the exercise of independent judgment and common sense in furtherance of all
of these. I pledge my full support to the Director, and I am eager to join my future colleagues at
the Agency and in the Intelligence Community.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee and the Congress to
maintain effective communication, and in addressing the range of legal issues that may arise
during my tenure. In the meantime, I appreciate this opportunity to appear before the Committee
today and would be happy to answer any questions.

-2US1DOCS 7169671v1