LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: A preview from CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena.</s>KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This former Marine is said to be ready for combat, and as one FBI official said, that's not overstating what may be in store should Robert Mueller become head of the bureau. First, he needs to satisfy the Senate Judiciary Committee.</s>SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT), CHAIRMAN, JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: We want a commitment that they are going to change the kind of insular attitude where they don't admit mistakes, they cover up mistakes. We want to see if we can do something to bring them into the 21st century in computers and other areas.</s>ARENA: Mueller, a veteran prosecutor, is not the problem. In fact, he's drawn by partisan praise, and he won solid support early on from the attorney general.</s>JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The responsibilities that will fall on Bob Mueller's shoulders will be great, But my confidence in him is greater. I know that under his direction, we will triumph over the challenges that we face.</s>ARENA: But Mueller's nomination follows a string of recent embarrassments for the FBI, including a late turnover of documents in the Timothy McVeigh case and the revelation one of their own, Robert Hanssen, had been spying for 15 years. Even the FBI's internal investigators blame arrogance among senior management.</s>JOHN WERNER, FORMER FBI INTERNAL INVESTIGATOR: They use intimidation and retaliation against anyone who so impertinent to challenge their interest.</s>ARENA: While not a big name, Mueller has a reputation for being a no-nonsense manager.</s>WATERS: Kelli Arena at Justice Department. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Robert Mueller Begins Confirmation Hearings for FBI Head