WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Tulsi Gabbard is on the brink of being confirmed as the new National Intelligence Director, despite protests from Democrats. 

The former congresswoman seems to have the support needed to secure the position, where she will oversee more than a dozen U.S. intelligence agencies. Senators are expected to vote on her confirmation around midnight on Wednesday. 

Democrats warn national security is on the line with this vote. 

“Tulsi Gabbard is a walking five alarm fire,” Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said. 

Republicans are lining up to support Gabbard’s nomination. Senate Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) praised Gabbard’s service in the National Guard and time as a congresswoman for Hawaii. 

“Tulsi Gabbard is a patriotic American. She believes strongly in the mission with which she’ll be tasked, keeping America safe,” Thune said. 

Democratic Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner says Gabbard is unqualified to be Director of National Intelligence. 

“I don’t question Ms. Gabbert’s patriotism. I oppose an nomination. Because I question her judgment,” Gabbard said. 

Democrats are raising various concerns as they use their limited power to delay the vote on Gabbard. 

Senator Adam Schiff points to Gabbard’s controversial sympathetic comments about adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad. 

“She has echoed, amplified and at times outright defended the positions of autocrats and despots,” Schiff said. 

Sen. Warner also voiced worries about her defense of notorious leaker Edward Snowden. 

“Someone who betrayed the trust and jeopardized the security of our nation,” Warner said. 

Gabbard is one of the more controversial Trump nominees, but a pressure campaign from the president’s allies convinced some initially skeptical Republicans to support Gabbard. That essentially ensures her nomination.