Tulsi Gabbard is set to meet with senators on Capitol Hill this week, kicking off a contentious confirmation process due to her past comments on Syria and Russia. As President-elect Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, Gabbard’s remarks have drawn scrutiny, particularly after the Syrian regime collapsed at the hands of rebels.
Gabbard’s visit to Syria in 2017 has raised concerns about her ties to the Assad regime, with some critics accusing her of being too sympathetic to Russia. Her comments on the US involvement in the conflict and her praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin have also been criticized as overly flattering.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth is facing a tough confirmation battle over his nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Republican nominee has faced criticism from some lawmakers who say he is not qualified for the job due to his lack of experience in the field.
The House will also take up the annual defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this week. The legislation includes a provision that prohibits funds from covering gender-affirming care for transgender children under 18, which has sparked opposition from some Democrats.
As the government funding deadline inches closer, congressional leaders are working on a plan to avoid a shutdown. Several lawmakers have expressed concerns about dealing with funding during the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, but many remain optimistic that a deal can be reached.
The confirmation process for Gabbard and Hegseth will likely be closely watched by lawmakers and the public, who are eager to see how they will perform in their respective roles.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5029519-tulsi-gabbard-capitol-hill-syria