Official announcement from the United States Senate or credible news outlets

Tulsi Gabbard Supports FISA Section 702, Influences Republican Senators Amid Confirmation Delay

Jan 12, 2025, 03:24 PM

Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of Director of National Intelligence, has shifted her stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Previously critical of this surveillance tool, Gabbard now supports its reauthorization, citing significant reforms that have been enacted to address her concerns about civil liberties. Her change in position has been a focal point in her confirmation process, with Republican Senators Tom Cotton and James Lankford indicating that her support for Section 702 could influence their vote on her confirmation. Gabbard's confirmation hearing has been delayed due to a paperwork issue with the Office of Government Ethics, according to Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso. Despite the delay, Barrasso expressed confidence in Gabbard's eventual confirmation, emphasizing her military promotions and top-level security clearances as qualifications for the role. If confirmed, Gabbard has pledged to uphold Americans' Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining vital national security tools like Section 702.