President Obama is asking Congress to pass legislation that would extend the 10-year term of Robert S. Mueller III, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, by two years, the White House said in a statement Thursday. Mr. Mueller�s tenure is scheduled to end on Sept. 4.

Mr. Mueller, who took office a week before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, has overseen the transformation of the F.B.I. from an agency dedicated to criminal investigations to one that is a major player in the nation�s global antiterrorism effort.

�In his 10 years at the F.B.I., Bob Mueller has set the gold standard for leading the bureau,� Mr. Obama said in the statement. �Given the ongoing threats facing the United States, as well as the leadership transitions at other agencies like the Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, I believe continuity and stability at the F.B.I. is critical at this time.�

While it is unclear how Congress will respond, Mr. Mueller enjoys widespread bipartisan support on Capitol Hill and Mr. Obama�s request is likely to get deference. The announcement comes after Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. have been conducting a high-level search for a replacement. F.B.I. directors are limited by law to a single 10-year term, and Mr. Mueller has been traveling globally on what has been characterized as his farewell tour.

(Source: NY Times)