Tulsi Gabbard's DNI nomination advances to Senate floor

Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence advanced to the full Senate after a narrow 9-8 vote by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which fell along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, has faced criticism for her past support of Edward Snowden and her meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Despite these challenges, key Republican senators like Todd Young and Susan Collins, initially uncertain, decided to support her after receiving assurances from Gabbard on various national security issues. The nomination process has been contentious, with GOP support solidifying only after a concerted pressure campaign over the weekend by Trump allies. Gabbard will need nearly unanimous Republican support in the full Senate to secure her confirmation, as her nomination faces strong Democratic opposition. The nomination marks her as a controversial figure due to her past stances and lack of formal intelligence experience.