Gabbard had faced pointed questions from some Republican senators about her stances on Edward Snowden and surveillance authorities.

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s controversial pick to lead U.S. intelligence agencies, escapes from a close committee ballot and heads to a full Senate vote.

"I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security," Collins, a moderate who is one of the few Republicans who has voted against Trump initiatives, said in a statement supporting Gabbard.

President Donald Trump's contentious nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday when a Senate committee backed her for confirmation despite doubts about her lack of experience and past statements seen as supporting U.