Gabbard Wins Senate Backing as Spy Chief on Vow to Downsize

The US Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence, ultimately winning support from key Republicans in part over her intentions to slim down the organization.

After an uphill battle for her nomination to lead the office overseeing the 18 US intelligence agencies, lawmakers voted 52-48 on Wednesday to back Gabbard, a 43-year-old former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii. Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell was the sole GOP vote against her.