Panel OKs Sessions as FBI Chief

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved President Reagan’s nomination of U.S. District Judge William S. Sessions of Texas as FBI director, and confirmation by the full Senate is expected later this week.

The committee’s voice vote came during a brief, midday break on the first day of nationally broadcast hearings on Reagan’s naming of federal Judge Robert H. Bork to the Supreme Court.

“Judge Sessions’ extensive law enforcement experience, his commitment to the rule of law and his strong moral character exemplify the type of person who should lead the FBI,” said Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.), committee chairman.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) called Sessions an “outstanding choice” to succeed William H. Webster, who left in May after nine years as FBI chief to become director of the CIA after the death of William J. Casey.