Washington, November 18 (RHC)-- The Director of U.S. National Intelligence, James Clapper, has handed in his resignation.  Clapper said that submitting his resignation "felt pretty good" while addressing a congressional intelligence committee hearing.  Serving as director for six years, Clapper had power over a host of important agencies including the CIA, NSA, DEA and FBI. 

Clapper notoriously told Congress in 2013 that the NSA does not collect data from U.S. citizens, and was widely accused of lying while under oath. Leaks from NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, then exposed a mountain of evidence contradicting Clapper's assertions in Congress. 

In a subsequent interview, Clapper said that he provided the "least untruthful" answer to the congressional hearing. Snowden fled the U.S in 2013 and is currently in living in Russia after being granted asylum. 

Some believe that Clapper's resignation was used aa a sign to the incoming Trump administration to speed up their transition process, before the president-elect is inaugurated on January 20. Trump will then be allowed to nominate a replacement for Clapper's position, before it is approved by the Senate. 

Clapper was instrumental in firing then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates in 2014.  Gates has been touted to take a key role in Trump's incoming administration.  Clapper held key roles in both the Barack Obama and George W. Bush administrations.