Republican Sen. James Lankford has expressed his support for former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in her bid to be confirmed as the director of national intelligence. This endorsement comes after Gabbard's shift in stance regarding FISA Section 702, an intelligence gathering tool enacted by Congress in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Sen. Lankford highlighted the significance of Gabbard's evolution on the issue, noting that she had previously voted against the 702 authority during her time in the House of Representatives. However, he acknowledged that Gabbard now recognizes the changes that have been implemented since then to protect the civil rights of Americans.
In a statement, Gabbard emphasized the importance of Section 702 for collecting foreign intelligence on individuals outside the United States. She underscored that this capability is essential for national security and cannot be easily replicated, emphasizing the need to balance national security interests with the protection of civil liberties.
Gabbard's revised position on FISA Section 702 marks a significant departure from her earlier efforts to repeal the authority and her previous concerns about domestic surveillance. Her willingness to acknowledge the changes made to safeguard civil liberties reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in balancing security and privacy concerns.
As the confirmation process for the director of national intelligence unfolds, Gabbard's evolving stance on intelligence gathering tools like FISA Section 702 will likely continue to be a point of discussion and scrutiny. Sen. Lankford's endorsement signals a recognition of Gabbard's willingness to adapt her views in light of new information and changing circumstances.
