Senator places hold on intel nomination

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has placed a hold on President Obama's choice to be the nation's top spymaster, retired Air Force Gen. James Clapper, according to McCain's spokeswoman.

"Senator McCain requested a specific report from Mr. Clapper, and until that report is provided, Senator McCain will continue to hold his nomination," spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said in a statement. She would not disclose the subject of the report or any other details.

Clapper's nomination won a unanimous vote of approval from the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. Although he had a somewhat rocky confirmation process, Clapper was able to win over Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and ranking member Kit Bond, R-Mo., who were skeptical he would be strong and independent as the nation's director of national intelligence.

"General Clapper has served our nation honorably for 46 years and I admire him, he has assured me that he does not intend to be a hood ornament but judging from recent history my yea vote is really a triumph of hope over experience," Bond said in a statement last week.

Obama nominated Clapper, who now serves as the Pentagon's intelligence chief, after former DNI Dennis Blair's abruptly stepped down in May, reportedly after losing the full confidence of the president.