Intelligence director is now in place

Navy Vice Adm. J. Michael McConnell was sworn in as the director of national intelligence, assuming the nation’s most senior intelligence position from John D. Negroponte, who is now deputy secretary of State.

McConnell will be responsible for briefing President Bush daily on intelligence matters.

Bush, at the swearing-in ceremony at Bolling Air Force Base, said the new intelligence director knows that Al Qaeda is “determined to strike our nation again.... He knows that his task as the director of national intelligence is to make certain that America stays ahead of this enemy and learns their intentions before they strike.”