iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative, has cleared the Senate Intelligence Committee vote for her nomination as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), bringing her one step closer to confirmation by the full Senate, according to The Hill.
The vote was a close 9-8, split along party lines.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) expressed optimism after the vote, stating, “The Intelligence Committee just voted for Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be the Director of National Intelligence favorably to the full United States Senate. We look forward to her confirmation and working with her to keep America safe.”
The vote came after Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a key swing vote, announced his support for Gabbard. Young shared his endorsement on X, writing, “I appreciate Tulsi Gabbard’s engagement with me on a variety of issues to ensure that our intelligence professionals will be supported and policymakers will receive unbiased information under her leadership.”
Young, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer, further emphasized his commitment to national security, stating, “Having now secured these commitments, I will support Tulsi’s nomination and look forward to working with her to protect our national security.”
Gabbard, nominated by President Donald Trump for the position, is a former Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, a former Democratic congresswoman, and a 2020 presidential candidate who switched to the Republican Party last year. She has at times referred to intelligence personnel as part of the “deep state”.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) also voiced her support for Gabbard, further solidifying her path to confirmation. Collins and Young were seen as pivotal votes on the committee, with their support crucial to Gabbard’s progress.
(Photo: Gage Skidmore/WikiMedia)