WASHINGTON (Show Me Live) – U.S. Representative Jason Smith (MO) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard, an Army Reserve veteran and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the Director of National Intelligence.
“I congratulate my good friend and former colleague, Tulsi Gabbard, on her confirmation as the next U.S. Director of National Intelligence,” Smith says. “Tulsi has devoted her life to serving her country. Whether in the military, serving multiple deployments in the Middle East and Africa, or as a public servant in local, state, and federal elected office, Tulsi exemplifies honor and a love of country to which all public servants should aspire. As our next Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi will bring a fresh perspective to the Intelligence Community that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the American people and supports President Trump’s mission of keeping the homeland safe.”
Gabbard’s confirmation was solidified this week with a 52-48 vote after two months of deliberations whether the former Hawaii House Democrat is qualified to lead the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies. Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell was the only Republication to vote no.
Gabbard left Republican leaders frustrated when she refused to call National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden a traitor, despite his theft of $1.5 million classified documents. GOP senators also stated Gabbard struggled to answer their questions privately. In recent weeks, Republicans rallied behind Gabbard after Vice President JD Vance and Senate Intelligence Committee Tom Cotton (R-ARK) reassured her nomination.