Tulsi Gabbard faces next Senate challenge as she inches closer to confirmation

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is facing a crucial test in the Senate on Monday night as she vies to be confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), one of the most significant national security positions in the U.S. government. President Donald Trump’s nominee will undergo a cloture vote at 5:30 p.m., where she must secure more than 50 votes to proceed to a final confirmation vote. If the cloture motion passes, there will be 30 hours of debate on the Senate floor, with no time agreement expected due to the controversial nature of Gabbard’s nomination and ongoing frustrations with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) audit.

Gabbard’s nomination has faced challenges, but she gained crucial support from GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Todd Young, allowing her to advance out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Despite initial doubts, Collins backed Gabbard, boosting her chances in the final confirmation vote. However, Gabbard can only afford to lose three Republican votes in the Senate, assuming she receives no Democratic support.

Chair Tom Cotton and Vice President JD Vance played key roles in securing support for Gabbard within the committee, working tirelessly to overcome obstacles and garner backing from all Republican members. Their efforts were instrumental in pushing Gabbard past the committee vote and setting the stage for the upcoming Senate vote.

With the White House showing confidence in Gabbard’s confirmation, evidenced by Vance’s absence for other engagements during the crucial votes, Republicans appear optimistic about her chances. Despite the narrow margin for error, Gabbard’s prospects seem favorable as she heads towards a final confirmation vote. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Gabbard’s fate hangs in the balance.