Collins, a pivotal swing vote on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is expected to play a key role in advancing Gabbard’s nomination as the committee meets on Tuesday.

Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee grilled Gabbard on her foreign policy positions and her views about Edward Snowden.

Moderate Sen. Susan Collins backed Tulsi Gabbard’s bid to become director of national intelligence ahead of a key committee vote Tuesday, in a significant boost for the former Hawaii