The U.S. Senate voted 52-46 on Monday to advance former Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for director of national intelligence, setting up a final confirmation vote later this week. The vote was strictly along party lines, with all Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.
Despite concerns over her limited intelligence experience and past remarks perceived as favorable to U.S. adversaries, Republicans rallied behind Gabbard. The Senate Intelligence Committee had earlier approved her nomination by a narrow 9-8 vote.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Gabbard for agreeing to reduce the size of the DNI’s office, aligning with the Trump administration’s push to shrink government agencies. “I look forward to confirming Ms. Gabbard this week,” Thune said.
Democrats strongly opposed her nomination. Senator Adam Schiff called her a “walking five-alarm fire,” citing her past support for former NSA contractor Edward Snowden and remarks viewed as sympathetic to Russia and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.
At her confirmation hearing, Gabbard faced bipartisan scrutiny but assured senators she would prosecute leakers. Republicans dismissed concerns over her previous statements.
With a final vote expected early Wednesday, Gabbard cannot afford to lose more than three Republican votes if Democrats remain united against her.
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