After First Two Picks Fizzle, Obama Nominates FBI Deputy Director To Head TSA

President Barack Obama today nominated Federal Bureau of Investigation veteran John Pistole to lead the Transportation Security Administration. Pistole now faces Senate confirmation, which eluded the president's previous two picks.

Obama's first nominee to lead TSA, Erroll Southers, withdrew his nomination in January amid scrutiny of his tenure at the FBI two decades ago, while his second pick, retired U.S. Army Major General Robert Harding, withdrew his nomination in late March due to concerns about his role as a former defense contractor.

Third pick Pistole spent more than 20 years in the FBI, beginning as a special agent and moving up the ranks to serve as assistant director for counterterrorism, deputy assistant director for operations and most recently deputy director, a position he's held since 2004.

“The talent and knowledge John has acquired in more than two decades of service with the FBI will make him a valuable asset to our administration's efforts to strengthen the security and screening measures at our airports," Obama said in a statement today. "I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this important role, and I look forward to working with him in the weeks and months ahead.”