Panetta to Outline Views on Asia, Defense Budget to Committee

North Korea’s ballistic missile program, nuclear enrichment activities and 1 million troops are a “growing and direct threat” to the U.S., according to CIA Director Leon Panetta, nominated to succeed Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

“I intend to monitor the security situation closely and maintain the capabilities necessary to protect our interests, defend our allies and deter North Korea,” Panetta said in written answers to questions posed by the Senate Armed Services Committee in advance of his testimony today before the panel.