Tulsi Gabbard Passes Senate Intelligence Committee Vote

Former Democrat-turned Republican Tulsi Gabbard narrowly advanced through the Senate Intelligence Committee vote. This was yet another step for another cabinet nominee from President Trump who is viewed as controversial by some.

Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and combat veteran from the state of Hawaii, narrowly got by in a closed door vote. The final tally was 9-8 in her favor, along party lines.

The committee’s vote opens the way for the full Senate to decide if Gabbard should be confirmed as the country’s top-ranking intelligence official. “I’m pleased that the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence,” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., chair of the intelligence committee, said in a statement. 

At her confirmation hearing last week, Gabbard had faced pointed questions from some Republicans about her stances on Edward Snowden and the controversial surveillance program he helped expose. The questioning fueled speculation about whether Gabbard would win the backing of the committee, where Republicans have a 9-8 majority.

Gabbard had previously called for Snowden to be pardoned but reversed herself at the hearing, saying she would not seek a pardon or clemency for the former National Security Agency contractor accused of espionage.

Before the committee vote, which came in a closed-door session, two Republican senators on the panel who had been seen as potential “no” votes made it clear that they would back Gabbard.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday that Gabbard had addressed her concerns about Snowden and that she would vote for her. On Tuesday, hours before the vote, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said he would be voting for Gabbard after she provided “commitments that will advance our national security.” 

Whether Ms. Gabbard will be confirmed by the Senate for the role of Director of National Intelligence is still in question. But for now, she is one step closer to a role that many thought was unthinkable for her.