Panetta: Obama Can Unilaterally Use Military to Protect ‘National Interests’
Monday, June 13, 2011
By Matt Cover

Defense Panetta

Defense Secretary nominee, CIA Director Leon Panetta, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2011, before the Senate Armed Service Committee hearing on his nomination. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta))

(CNSNews.com) - CIA Director Leon Panetta, who President Barack Obama has nominated to be secretary of Defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that he believes the president can unilaterally use military force, without congressional authorization to “protect our national interests.â€