During a recent hearing, Democratic Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner, questioned Tulsi Gabbard about her past statements regarding Edward Snowden and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Gabbard was asked about her previous praise for Edward Snowden, to which she acknowledged that he had broken the law but also highlighted the importance of the information he revealed about government surveillance programs. She declined to comment on whether she still believed Snowden was brave and stated that she would not advocate for any actions related to his potential pardon.
Another point of contention was Gabbard's shifting stance on Section 702 of the FISA, a surveillance tool crucial for national security. While in Congress, she had called for its repeal but later expressed support for the law due to reforms that had been implemented. When pressed by Warner about the specific reforms she referenced, Gabbard mentioned there were several but did not provide details. Warner pointed out that she had previously criticized the reforms, stating they had made the law worse.
These issues have raised concerns among both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, highlighting potential challenges for Gabbard's confirmation. The hearing shed light on Gabbard's complex views on national security and surveillance, underscoring the importance of thorough examination and scrutiny in the confirmation process.
