A day after being appointed as the new Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Brennan said that the agency faces tremendously diverse challenges ranging from cyber threats to terrorism to global political upheavals amid its tight budgetary conditions.

“The challenges that our agency faces today are tremendously diverse, ranging from cyber threats to terrorism to political upheaval in the Middle East to changing dynamics in Asia as well as budget tightening here at home,” Brennan said in his message to CIA employees after being sworn in as the new Director of the country’s top intelligence agency yesterday.

Brennan was sworn in by the US Vice-President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House. Till recently the top counter terrorism advisor to the US President, Brennan is the 21st Director of CIA.

Following his swearing-in, Brennan addressed CIA’s global workforce from the auditorium at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, praising their hard work, courage, and dedication, and thanking their families for the sacrifices they have made.

He emphasised that the agency’s most precious asset is its workforce and highlighted the importance of teamwork among its professionals.

“It is just terrific to be home and it is the honour and privilege of my life to be working with you as CIA Director,” Brennan said, referring to his previous stint at the agency.

“I have seen first-hand the value of intelligence to policy formulation and commend the agency’s employees for their vital role in keeping our country safe,” he added.

Brennan was confirmed by the US Senate on Thursday by 63 to 34 votes. The vote on this was delayed by a 13-hour-long filibuster by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Connecticut.

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