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.

At her confirmation hearing last week, Gabbard had faced pointed questions from some Republicans about her stances on Edward Snowden and the controversial surveillance program he helped to expose.

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.