Senate Moves Forward With Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination For Intelligence Chief

Gabbard’s confirmation came after a tight procedural vote of 52-46, ending a contentious nomination process that highlighted deep divisions both within Congress and the public over her past political positions and statements.

The final vote cleared the way for the former Hawaii representative to take the helm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), a key position responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the U.S.'s 18 intelligence agencies.

The position was created in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to enhance the coordination of intelligence efforts across multiple agencies. Gabbard's confirmation follows a narrow path, with her approval coming down to a near party-line vote.