WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Senate Intelligence Committee has voted 9-8 along party lines to approve the nomination of former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. Her nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
“We look forward to her confirmation and working with her to keep America safe,” said Committee Chairman Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), addressing the vote.
There were contrasting reactions after President Trump nominated Gabbard for this position. While some supported her appointment, others criticized her previous statements that were viewed as being indulgent towards adversaries of the United States and her lack of experience in the intelligence sector.
Despite these second thoughts, mainstays of the Republican side, Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), announced they would vote for Gabbard after assurances from the latter. As Senator Young remarked, “Having now secured these commitments, I will support Tulsi’s nomination and look forward to working with her to protect our national security.”
During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard addressed questions about her past defense of Edward Snowden and her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She pledged to prevent unauthorized disclosures and emphasized her commitment to providing unbiased intelligence to policymakers.
If confirmed, Gabbard would be the first Pacific Islander American and first Hindu American to serve in a Cabinet-level position, marking a historic milestone in U.S. government leadership.
The full Senate will then vote on Gabbard’s nomination, during which she can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes to secure confirmation. The result will determine if Gabbard will lead the nation’s intelligence community during this time of change in global challenges.
