Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will vote to confirm former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for the director of National Intelligence for President Donald Trump. The Senate confirmation vote is expected later this week.
“While I continue to have concerns about certain positions she has previously taken, I appreciate her commitment to rein in the outsized scope of the agency, while still enabling the ODNI to continue its essential function in upholding national security. As she brings independent thinking and necessary oversight to her new role, I am counting on her to ensure the safety and civil liberties of American citizens remain rigorously protected,” Murkowski wrote.
In response to her commitment made on X, Elon Musk replied, “Awesome.”
Murkowski did not indicate her position on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health.
But Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told CNN she be voting yes for Kennedy, all but assuring his confirmation even if Murkowski votes against him, which appears likely. The Senate is expected to vote to confirm RFK Jr. this week as well.
For any confirmation votes this week, Vice President Vance is not going to be on hand to break a tie, as he is in Europe attending meetings with foreign leaders. He broke the tie vote on Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary after Murkowski voted against Hegseth.
Good news indeed.