Tulsi Gabbard is earning strong praise from Capitol Hill and beyond as President Donald J. Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard — a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve who saw three deployments — represented Hawaii in Congress for eight years, including as a member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees.

Earlier today, 250+ U.S. military veterans — including Medal of Honor recipients — signed a letter supporting her nomination, lauding her as a "warrior whose vote cannot be bought."

Here's what else they're saying:

• Sen. Rand Paul: "Congratulations to @TulsiGabbard on her nomination as Director of National Intelligence. Her military service and dedication to our Constitutional rights make her a strong choice for this critical role. Wishing her success in leading our intelligence community."
  
  
• Sen. Markwayne Mullin: "LTC @TulsiGabbard, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, is a true patriot. Tulsi has my complete support to be the next Director of National Intelligence. I'm proud to call her my friend."
  
  
• Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno: "President Trump made a brilliant pick in Tulsi Gabbard, a fierce voice who has been brave in speaking out against corruption. Tulsi's military experience and commitment to our Constitution makes her a fantastic pick as the Director of National Intelligence."
  
  
• Sen. Joni Ernst: "[A] strong and proven leader"
  
  
• Sen. Mike Lee: ".@TulsiGabbard is a decorated combat veteran trying to save America from unnecessary foreign wars and end illegal government operations against the American people—which is exactly why they voted for Donald Trump."
  
  
• Sen. Lindsey Graham: "I have known Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for many years, serving in the same Capitol Hill reserve unit. While we have differences on foreign policy, I think she’s extremely bright and capable. It is a great compliment to Tulsi that President Trump wants her to be his Director of National Intelligence. In this position, she will see up close the dangers we face as a nation from multiple sources. I look forward to working with her to keep America not only great but also safe."
  
  
• Sen.-elect Jim Banks: "Tulsi Gabbard is a patriot who has served our country for decades. I have full confidence she will be a strong leader in President Trump's admin who always puts America First."
  
  
• Sen. Kevin Cramer: "I agree with ⁦@realDonaldTrump, @TulsiGabbard ⁩is fearless and is a solid patriot and accomplished hero. She doesn’t need the bureaucracy's approval, but she has mine."
  
  
• Sen. Ron Johnson: "The uproar from the Uniparty over @TulsiGabbard's nomination to be Director of National Intelligence simply proves she’s the perfect choice. I look forward to voting in favor of her confirmation."
  
  
• Sen.-elect Tim Sheehy: "We need strong leaders to disrupt the failing bureaucracy, and Tulsi is an American Warrior who will serve our nation proudly and bring the change needed to protect America."
  
  
• Sen. Bill Hagerty: "What Tulsi Gabbard represents is a broad tent that President Trump has put in place ... He's bringing Tulsi into his cabinet to achieve a specific purpose, and I look forward to supporting that."
  
  
• Sen. Eric Schmitt: "This is a reformer who can come in, who maybe is not a part of the same Washington cocktail party circuit that people in the intel community are used to, but maybe that's exactly what we need right now ... I'm a yes on Tulsi Gabbard — absolutely."
  
  
• Sen. Ted Budd: "I look forward to the hearing process and seeing her. She's an amazing individual, very talented."
  
  
• Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf, USAF (Ret.): "The histrionic attacks on Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard miss the mark. I know Ms. Gabbard, and the only people who should be concerned about her serving as director of national intelligence are incompetent bureaucrats used to the status quo in our intelligence community."
  
  
• Former Speaker Newt Gingrich: "We need a Director of National Intelligence with the intelligence to understand all these agencies and the mental toughness to insist on accountability and change."