Gabbard gets huge endorsement from key intel committee Republican

Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, has announced her plan to support Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI). In a statement released on Monday evening, Collins expressed her decision after carefully considering Gabbard’s nomination.

“As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community,” Collins stated. She also emphasized that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has grown larger than originally intended and that Gabbard shares her vision of returning the agency to its intended size.

Collins further mentioned that during discussions in her office and at the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Gabbard addressed her concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. Collins stated, “I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.”

Collins, who sits on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, will be part of the pivotal vote on Gabbard’s nomination on Tuesday. While Collins has been known to occasionally break ranks with her party, her support for Gabbard at the committee level was not certain. However, she has now indicated that she will vote to advance Gabbard’s nomination.

Joining Collins in supporting Gabbard are other Republican committee members, including Senators John Cornyn of Texas and James Lankford of Oklahoma. However, the vote of Senator Todd Young of Indiana remains uncertain. Young’s vote is crucial as Gabbard will need all Republican members’ support to move forward.

Recently, Young received criticism from Elon Musk, who called him a “deep state puppet” for his uncertainty about Gabbard. Musk later deleted the post and clarified that he had a productive conversation with Young on various policy areas.

Collins’ support for Gabbard’s nomination at the committee level indicates a positive outlook for Gabbard’s confirmation by the full Senate. If Gabbard advances to a floor vote, she can afford to lose only three Republican votes, assuming she does not receive any Democratic support.

The support from Collins, along with other key Republican senators, signals a potential bipartisan consensus on Gabbard’s nomination. As the confirmation process continues, Gabbard’s qualifications and vision for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will be under scrutiny, with the final decision resting with the Senate.