The delay in Tulsi Gabbard's Senate confirmation hearing for U.S. Director of National Intelligence has become a focal issue for lawmakers.
The Washington Examiner reported that missing documentation including an FBI background check has stalled Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation process, with no definitive hearing date scheduled.
Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of U.S. Director of National Intelligence, faces roadblocks as essential paperwork remains unsubmitted. As of this past Monday, the FBI background check and ethics disclosures required by Senate procedure have not reached the Senate Intelligence Committee.
According to Senate rules, the confirmation hearing cannot be held until one week after all necessary documents are received. Currently, a date for Gabbard's hearing has not been scheduled due to these delays.
The originally planned confirmation schedule by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, aimed for a conclusion before Inauguration Day. However, he encountered setbacks when the required documentation failed to arrive on time.
Federal operations were recently disrupted by a severe snowstorm, causing a delay in the delivery of these important documents. This weather-related delay has added to the complications faced by Gabbard's confirmation alongside other Trump nominees.
Complaints about bureaucratic delays are also affecting other nominations including Doug Burgum for the Department of Interior and Doug Collins for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Senators are particularly concerned about having access to thorough documentation. "Particularly in the national security context, you must have these documents," stated Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). He emphasized the importance of these documents for the Senate's "advice and consent" duties necessary for the confirmation process.
"We’re going to insist on these documents before we go forward. I mean, that’s just kind of a nonnegotiable. You can’t do ‘advice and consent’ without it," Wyden added, highlighting the resolve among senators to secure complete information before proceeding.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voiced his concerns, stating, "Unfortunately, a troubling pattern emerged last week from some Republican chairs who seem eager to rush the nomination process without fully getting all the necessary documentation." Schumer stressed the importance of documentation: "Getting documents is not trivial, busy work," he explained.
Moreover, controversies regarding Gabbard’s past actions, such as her meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, have also resurfaced, complicating her confirmation path.
These past controversies are a point of contention among some senators, though Gabbard has more recently aligned with mainstream Republican views, such as her support for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act—a notable shift from her previous positions.
This renewed stance has garnered backing from some Republican senators, including Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), who stated, "That was a very important piece for me," regarding her support for Section 702.
Despite these challenges, some Republicans remain optimistic about Gabbard's chances. A Republican consultant remarked on the necessity of preparation for Gabbard’s potential hearing: "Do I think she can [get confirmed]? — Yes, absolutely, but I think there’s got to be a lot of preparation behind the scenes for her hearing to ensure she gives disciplined answers."
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) also commented on the situation as predominantly a "paperwork problem," suggesting that the awaited documents might resolve some of the stalled dynamics.
"The Office of Government Ethics, we had hoped to have the hearing later this week, it looks like it’s going to be the following week," Barrasso mentioned, indicating a possible timeline if the required documents are submitted soon.
Gabbard is scheduled to meet with several senators from both parties throughout the week, presumably to address concerns and garner support for her nomination despite the existing obstacles.
Amidst these delays and discussions, insights from Senate aides shed light on the procedural options available. "Technically, Sen. Cotton could hold a vote of the panel and could bypass the minority's objections and could go ahead and schedule the hearing, but I just don’t see that happening," one aide noted, suggesting the importance of bipartisanship especially noted in Senate practices.
"Senate leaders have long prided themselves on bipartisanship on this committee, especially in comparison to the absolute chaos we've seen on this committee on the House side," the aide added.