Senate Advances Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination for Intelligence Role
The vote to invoke cloture on the Cabinet nominee Tulsi Gabbard was 52-46 along party lines. Two senators did not vote. Lawmakers now have up to 30 hours of debate before a final confirmation vote on Gabbard's nomination.
Gabbard is a combat veteran, former House lawmaker from Hawaii, and a 2020 presidential candidate who broke with the Democratic Party in 2022. Former President Trump nominated her for the spy chief role in November.
“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength,” Trump stated.
During her confirmation hearing at the end of January, Gabbard testified about ending the politicization of intelligence and restoring trust in the national security apparatus tasked with protecting American citizens.
Gabbard also addressed accusations from critics, claiming that they view her and Trump as a “puppet” to others, including Russia's Vladimir Putin, stating, “What truly unsettles them is I refuse to be their puppet.”
Last week, the Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 along party lines to advance Gabbard's nomination. Robert F. Kennedy, Trump's nominee to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, also moved forward from committee.
Gabbard has alleviated concerns among some GOP senators regarding her stance on Edward Snowden and pledged in a letter to hold accountable those who make unauthorized disclosures of intelligence programs.
The Senate has confirmed a little more than a dozen of Trump's second-term Cabinet nominees, a process that has encountered delays as Democrats employ various tactics, including procedural votes.
On Thursday, the Judiciary Committee delayed a vote on Kash Patel's bid to lead the FBI by a week following a request from Democrats. This pattern also occurred with Pam Bondi, who has since been confirmed as U.S. Attorney General.
“By this time in the Obama administration, TWICE as many of his nominations were confirmed,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) remarked. “It's a total double standard from Democrats, but we won't give up. We will confirm Trump's entire team.”
