Gabbard was questioned by Republicans and Democrats alike on her views of Snowden and whether she believes he was a traitor. She declined to say she believed he was a traitor, repeating that she felt he had broken the law and reiterating a point that she has made in the past, that he exposed practices that have resulted in the reform of 702.

Tulsi Gabbard appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday as part of her confirmation process to serve as director of national intelligence.

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, left, is embraced by her husband Abraham Williams after her appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing at the U.