Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have publicly stated their intention to vote in favor of confirming former Representative Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. This announcement follows a recent party-line vote where Republican senators, including Murkowski and Cassidy, supported cloture to advance Gabbard's confirmation process, while Democratic senators opposed it.
Senator Murkowski affirmed her support on social media, acknowledging some past concerns but expressing confidence in Gabbard's commitment to overseeing the agency effectively and safeguarding national security while protecting civil liberties. This decision contrasts with Murkowski's vote against confirming Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary last month.
The image above shows (Left) Senator Lisa Murkowski at the U.S. Capitol on June 1, 2023; (Center) Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard meeting with Senator John Cornyn on December 18, 2024; (Right) Senator Bill Cassidy at a press conference on August 5, 2022.
Senator Cassidy also expressed his support for Gabbard, stating his trust in former President Trump's nomination decision. Gabbard, who served in Congress from 2013 to 2021, left the Democratic Party in 2022 and subsequently endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race, later joining the Republican Party.
