Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins on Monday announced she will support Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as the director of National Intelligence, making her the latest Republican to unite behind President Donald Trump’s nominee.
Collins’ endorsement comes after Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn endorsed Gabbard last week.
Gabbard has faced some pushback among Republicans because of her hesitancy to label former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden a “traitor.”
The support comes as the Senate Intelligence Committee is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss potentially advancing Gabbard to a floor vote, where she would need the majority of the Senate to confirm her.
“After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence,” Collins said.
“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.”
The senator claimed that Gabbard eased her concerns about Snowden, after the former congresswoman promised not to seek a pardon for Snowden during her confirmation hearing last week.
“In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden,” Collins said.
“I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.”
With Collins’ support, attention now shifts to Indiana GOP Sen. Todd Young as the last Republican swing vote, The Hill reported.
