Ex-Democratic congresswoman takes big step towards confirmation as intel director

(MENAFN) Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, has taken a significant step toward becoming the next US Director of National Intelligence. The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 along party lines on Tuesday to advance her nomination to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

Gabbard, a military veteran, has faced scrutiny over her previous positions, including her support for whistleblower Edward Snowden and a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad. During her confirmation hearing, she refused to call Snowden a traitor but acknowledged that he "broke the law."

A key endorsement from Republican Senator Susan Collins, who praised Gabbard’s vision for reducing the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, was crucial in securing committee approval. Collins was joined by Senators James Lankford and Todd Young in supporting Gabbard’s nomination.

Despite criticism from some establishment figures who see Gabbard’s selection as a security risk, President Donald Trump voiced his desire for her to take the top intelligence role in November. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and joined the Republican Party in October, has previously expressed controversial views on US foreign policy, including regarding the Ukraine conflict and NATO expansion.

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