TEMPORARY DRUG AGENCY LEADER NAMED

WASHINGTON -- Drug Enforcement Administration veteran William
Simpkins has been named to oversee the agency until the Senate
decides whether to confirm Congressman Asa Hutchinson as the new DEA
chief.

Attorney General John Ashcroft appointed Simpkins acting
administrator on Monday. Simpkins joined the agency in 1974 and has
been acting deputy administrator since February.

Bush nominated Hutchinson, R-Ark., to head the DEA in May. The Senate
must confirm the selection of Hutchinson, who was a House prosecutor
in former President Clinton's impeachment trial.

Donnie R. Marshall, DEA leader since 1999, has retired.