WHILE DEMOCRATIC CONTROL of Congress poses new challenges to the Bush administration’s handling of Iraq and the war on terrorism, former CIA Director Robert Gates’s appointment as secretary of Defense is expected to create a less contentious atmosphere with lawmakers than existed under his predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld.

During confirmation proceedings beginning today, some lawmakers will likely be eager to rehash with Gates the same grievances they had with Rumsfeld. Senator Carl Levin, the incoming chairman of the Armed Serves Committee, said he wants to focus on future management of the Pentagon and will keep a close eye on a Gates-led Defense Department.