Overview

• 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.