The nomination of Tulsi Gabbard is on shaky ground after a hearing of the bruising confirmation that led to some senators bringing more worries.
Donald Trump's choice to serve as director of National Intelligence appeared on Thursday for the senate intelligence committee where it was confronted with a brutal grilling of senators on both sides of the aisle.
The former Democratic Congressman who closed was grilled in 2017 to be grilled to Syria, whistleblower Edward Snowden and her views on Russia.
Gabbard was defensive from the beginning and was sometimes challenging when the legislators pressed her about her current views and words and actions from the past.
Even before she was named Trump's Pick for Top US Intelligence Officer, the Maga favorite had confronted with criticism for once a meeting with the then-Syrian dictator and accused of Russian sympathies.
The Senate Committee has nine Republicans and eight Democrats.
Gabbard will need the support of every Gop -senator in the committee for her appointment to continue to the Senate floor, because it is not supported by Democrats.
But some Republicans expressed their concern after her hours of questions on the hill.
President Trump's choice for director of National Intelligence appeared for the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing on Thursday where she was confronted with a heavy whims for senators from both sides of the course
Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) Printed during the hearing on Gabbard or she believes that Snowden is a traitor for leaking highly classified documents before they flee the country.
She doubled that she was aimed at preventing future leaks, but did not mention him.
Lankford, who previously said he would support her confirmation, said after the hearing that there are “many questions.”
Senator Todd Young (R-Ond.) Also seemed frustrated by Gabbard's reactions about Snowden during the hearing.
“It is remarkable that you didn't say:” Yes, he clearly hurt our national security in different ways, “Young told her.
He also stated that Gabbard claimed that Snowden should get grace, but claimed that Snowden's actions probably endanger American life.
'I think it would fit you and be helpful for the way you are observed by members of the intelligence community if you at least acknowledge that the largest whistleblowers in American history, so -called national security, by the laws of the Land to be violated around our Intel Authority, “Young told her.
He did not indicate how he intends to vote on the nominee.
Senator James Lankford has put pressure on Tulsi Gabbard if Edward Snowden is a traitor at her confirmation hearing
Although it is not a member of the Senate Committee, Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) was in her confirmation state. He said he left the hearing “with more questions than answers.”
“Some of her answers, and non-reactions, created more confusion than clarity and only deepen my worries about her judgment and what that will mean in this vital role,” he said in a statement.
“I am dedicated to carefully assess the full record of Mrs. Gabbard before I make a final decision about her nomination,” he added.
Senator Susan Collins who interrogates Tulsi Gabbard during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Thursday
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is also seen as a potential swing voice. The Senator asked Gabbard for Snowden and brought reports, Gabbard met affiliated companies of Hezbollah.
Gabbard denied it and called it an 'absurd accusation'.
After the hearings on Thursday, Collins said that she “did not make a final decision.”
“She responded well to my questions, but I didn't see her answers to everyone's questions,” said Collins, who had to switch back and forth between two hearings on Thursday.
Collins told reporters that she was 'happy' with how Gabbard answered her questions, including saying no to her question whether she would recommend grace.
Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) Also said that she answered his questions during the hearing for his 'satisfaction' after Gabbard told him that she was 'offended' by one of his questions.
With some GOP sensors who signal or signal frustrations, it remains unclear whether the nomination of Gabbard will get it out of the committee, because only one republican NO vote is needed.
Some senators not in the committee, such as Senator Thom Tillis (RN.C.), have indicated that they see what is happening in the committee instead of weighing.
While some senators stay on the fence or keep their cards in the neighborhood, the fiery hearing has not shown other members of the Senate Committee.
Senate information committee chairman Tom Cotton in the Tulsi Gabbard confirmation session on Thursday. He said he supports the nominees after the hearing and indicated that he thinks she will be confirmed
DNI -nominated Tulsi Gabbard with Senator Cotton during her confirmation hearing on Thursday
The chairman of the Senate Committee Tom Cotton (R-ank.) Said that she must be confirmed and indicated that he thinks she will eventually be confirmed in an interview on Fox News.
Republicans do not need the support of Democrats if they remain united, nor is they expected to receive the support of Democrats for Gabbard.
But the legislators about the aisle came from the hearing that the alarms sounded about making her the best intelligence officer in the country.
“She couldn't call Edward Snowden a traitor. She did not even refute that he bravely called him, “said member of the Senator Mark Warner (D-VA.) Reporters ranking.
“She didn't even deny her bill to give him a grace. What message would that send to allies around the world? Would you trust to share information? “He added.
He said he respects her service, but has enormous problems with her judgment. '
