Tennessee senators vote to confirm John Brennan as CIA director

Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker were in the minority of their Republican colleagues Thursday, as each cast a vote in support of confirming John Brennan as director of the Central Intelligence Agency. 

Alexander and Corker were among 13 GOP senators to support President Barack Obama's nominee for the position. A total of 31 Republicans opposed Brennan. 

Brennan's confirmation followed a widely publicized 13-hour filibuster by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who questioned the Obama administration's domestic drone policy. Following Thursday's vote, Corker said he also had questions regarding drone policy but supported Brennan after determining he was qualified for the position. 

"Having spent a lot of time with John Brennan recently, I think he is qualified and will serve as a capable CIA director," Corker said in an emailed statement. "I do have concerns regarding the administration’s current drone policy, and I intend to seek answers to my questions in hearings before the Foreign Relations Committee, which has jurisdiction over the executive branch's use of its war-making authority." 

Corker, who is ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, added that he thought the group should play a "decisive role" in examining questions regarding drone usage. In February, the senator suggested that the current drone policy may not be legal.

Alexander offered a brief statement regarding his vote for Brennan, stating he was well-suited for the post.

"While I have some policy disagreements with the Obama administration on matters of national security, based on my review of his background, John Brennan is qualified for the job of CIA director," Alexander said.  

Last week, both Corker and Alexander voted to oppose Obama's defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel, along with treasury secretary nominee Jacob Lew. Both Hagel and Lew were confirmed.