WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement after meeting with former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump's nominee to serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI):

"I have known Tulsi Gabbard for more than a decade. She is a person of high character who is dedicated to serving her country. We had a serious and productive conversation about the threats America faces from enemies around the world and how we can strengthen our national security to keep Americans safe. President Trump won a decisive victory and deserves the latitude to choose the Cabinet he feels will best serve the American people. The Senate must do its job to vet and quickly consider these nominees so President Trump can have his full team in place as soon as possible."