Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s bumpy road to nomination could hinge on the tie-breaking vote of Vice President J.D. Vance – who is currently overseas – throwing further uncertainty over her confirmation prospects, according to a new report.
Gabbard’s selection to be the country’s next director of national intelligence has been marred by her controversial statements and past foreign associates, which has left even some Republicans in the GOP-led Senate hesitant of whether they will ultimately vote to confirm her to the top cabinet position.
Gabbard’s nomination is expected to advance Monday night, with a final confirmation vote to come sometime Wednesday, according to Politico. But, while Republicans are growing increasingly confident that Gabbard can make it through the confirmation process, she can only afford to lose two Republicans without needing an assist from Vance.
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Currently, Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) has been noncommittal on whether he will ultimately vote to confirm her later this week, though his office told Politico that he is likely to vote to advance her nomination for a full vote. Meanwhile, Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) are widely considered to be possible swing votes.
Murkowski, McConnell and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) all broke ranks last month and voted against confirming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing Vance to break the tie — just the second time in modern history a vice president has done so.
“If three Republicans oppose Gabbard — and no Democrats support her, as expected — she will need Vance to break a tie to help get her over the finish line,” Politico said.
In that scenario, Vance – who is currently at an AI summit in France – will likely be in Munich for previously scheduled meetings and events.