Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence advanced with a narrow 9-8 vote by the Senate Intelligence Committee, amidst bipartisan concerns. Senators criticized her past statements on Edward Snowden and her meeting with Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Despite these controversies, GOP senators rallied behind Gabbard after a weekend pressure campaign from Trump allies, ensuring her nomination would proceed to the full Senate. To secure her confirmation, Gabbard will need nearly unanimous Republican support, facing significant Democratic opposition and calls for reforms within the intelligence community.