
(TheProudRepublic.com) – Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard received an important vote as U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a pivotal swing vote in the Senate Intelligence Committee, supports her nomination as Director of National Intelligence.
This surprising yet decisive move could be a game-changer in the confirmation process.
Senator Collins announced her support for Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, pivotally boosting Gabbard’s confirmation prospects.
Collins, known for her influential votes, wrestled with her decision due to Gabbard’s controversial stances, including her support for Edward Snowden, an American Russian former NSA intelligence contractor and whistleblower.
Her affirmative vote implies a shift in the confirmation dynamics, potentially steering the committee toward a favorable vote.
Collins’ endorsement underscores Gabbard’s vulnerability as President Trump’s nominee, who’s faced intense scrutiny.
Gabbard’s detractors cite her past meetings with Bashar Assad and opposition to surveillance programs as significant concerns.
Nevertheless, Collins stated she was satisfied with Gabbard’s responses and is eager to collaborate on advancing national security.
Collins stated:
“After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence … has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size.”
She added, “I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security,” emphasizing Gabbard’s alignment with her vision to scale back the intelligence directorate’s reach.
Collins played a key role in establishing the directorate post-9/11 and believes it has grown excessively large.
Moreover, the Senator’s shift came after “extensive consideration” following a confirmation hearing where she probed Gabbard on her Snowden stance.
Gabbard assured Collins she would not advocate for Snowden, helping to quell some of Collins’ reservations.
Pressure also mounted from Trump allies, including Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk, who warned GOP senators of the primary challenges they would face if they opposed Gabbard.
Collins experienced firsthand the consequences of divergence, having recently voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s nomination, which Vice President JD Vance approved via a tie-breaking vote.
Moreover, Collins’ support could bolster Gabbard’s confirmation, but attention now shifts to another potential swing vote: Indiana Senator Todd Young (R-IN).
Young expressed frustration with Gabbard’s hearing responses, particularly regarding Snowden, a sentiment echoed by many Republican colleagues.
Gabbard’s next hurdle rests on Young’s decision and any fallout from the GOP’s internal tensions.
Whether her assurances and Collins’ pivotal backing sway the committee remains to be seen.
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