Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation as director of national intelligence, one of President Donald Trump's most contentious nominations, moved closer to reality on Tuesday when a Senate committee backed her despite doubts about her lack of experience and past statements seen as supporting U.

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

Democrats are united in opposition to her serving as the director of national intelligence. A single Republican no vote would complicate her confirmation by the full Senate.