Tulsi Gabbard Gains Key GOP Support Ahead of Intelligence Committee Vote

Sen. Susan Collins announces support for Gabbard’s DNI nomination, addressing prior concerns about Edward Snowden and intelligence policy.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), a critical swing vote on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has declared support for Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Collins cited Gabbard’s shared vision of downsizing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and her responses to concerns about Edward Snowden as reasons for her decision.
The Senate Intelligence Committee, with a narrow 9-8 Republican majority, is set to vote on Gabbard’s nomination on Tuesday, where she cannot afford to lose any GOP votes.
Gabbard faced significant scrutiny during her confirmation hearing, particularly for refusing to label Edward Snowden a traitor and her previous opposition to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The committee vote is expected to hinge on Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), who has expressed reservations about Gabbard’s responses on Snowden and national security issues.