Special Poll
Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stood alone among his party on Wednesday as the only Republican senator to vote against confirming former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for the nation’s top intelligence position. His decision sent a clear message to GOP colleagues, some of whom had privately expressed concerns about her qualifications for the role.
Gabbard’s nomination drew scrutiny over her past stance on surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and her refusal to label former government contractor Edward Snowden a traitor after he leaked 1.5 million classified documents. McConnell cited this as a key issue, emphasizing that Snowden’s actions severely compromised national security by exposing sensitive intelligence operations.
Following the vote, McConnell issued a statement expressing his concerns, particularly regarding Gabbard’s reluctance to condemn Snowden’s actions as treasonous. He stressed that Snowden’s leaks endangered critical intelligence sources, methods, and American lives.
McConnell also reiterated his strong opposition to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it an unprovoked act of aggression that directly threatens U.S. interests. He placed full responsibility for the conflict on Vladimir Putin and questioned whether Gabbard fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
Another concern he raised was her shifting position on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key provision that allows expanded surveillance and provides intelligence that comprises a significant portion of the president’s daily briefing. He suggested that putting someone in charge of coordinating intelligence efforts who appears uncertain about these critical matters posed an unnecessary risk.