(CNN) - Lawmakers and high-profile figures in Washington were quick to respond Friday to the news that General David Petraeus was stepping down from his post as CIA director.
President Barack Obama:
David Petraeus has provided extraordinary service to the United States for decades. By any measure, he was one of the outstanding General officers of his generation, helping our military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end. As Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, he has continued to serve with characteristic intellectual rigor, dedication, and patriotism. By any measure, through his lifetime of service David Petraeus has made our country safer and stronger.
Sen. John McCain of Arizona:
"General David Petraeus will stand in the ranks of America's greatest military heroes. His inspirational leadership and his genius were directly responsible – after years of failure – for the success of the surge in Iraq. General Petraeus has devoted his life to serving the country he loves, and America is so much the better for it. We are immensely grateful for General Petraeus's decades of work on behalf of our nation, our military, and our security. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California:
"At CIA, Director Petraeus gave the agency leadership, stature, prestige and credibility both at home and abroad. On a personal level, I found his command of intelligence issues second to none. He was especially cooperative with Congress as we executed our oversight responsibility, and he was responsible for improving American relationships with intelligence agencies in countries around the world.
"I wish President Obama had not accepted this resignation, but I understand and respect the decision. David Petraeus is one of America's best and brightest, and all Americans should be grateful for his service. Deputy Director Michael Morell will serve as acting director, so I am confident the agency is in very good hands until the president selects a replacement."
Republican Rep. Peter King of New York, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security:
"General Petraeus is one of America's most outstanding and distinguished military leaders and a true American patriot.
"As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I had the privilege of working with General Petraeus in his capacity as CIA Director.
"I hold General Petraeus in the highest regard, regret his resignation, and wish him and his family the very best."