WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Courtney Simmons Elwood as the Central Intelligence Agency’s top lawyer. The committee voted 67-33 in favor of tapping Elwood to serve as General Counsel of the CIA after confirmation hearings that asked for her thoughts on surveillance programs and the investigation into possible Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 elections. Elwood said she would provide the committee with the information they request within requirements of the law. released the following statement:”Courtney Simmons Elwood is a distinguished attorney who helped guide our nation though the national security challenges following the attacks on September 11, 2001,” said Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) in a statement announcing her confirmation. “I am confident she will ensure that the CIA is operating in a lawful, ethical, and moral manner as we continue to confront growing threats to our nation and our partners around the globe.”Elwood served in the first term of the Bush Administration as a White House lawyer. In Bush’s second term, she was a counselor to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
