Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee will kick off today at 10 a.m. Read my latest reporting here on where her nomination stands as Trump’s director of national intelligence nominee, and how senators are feeling about her preparedness for the role.

And here are some excerpts of the opening statement she is expected to deliver before the committee later this morning, according to prepared remarks shared with National Review:

President Trump’s reelection is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, end the weaponization and politicization of the IC, and begin to restore trust in those who have been charged with the critical task of securing our nation. If confirmed as DNI, I will fulfill this mandate and bring leadership to the intelligence community with a laser like focus on our essential mission: ensuring the safety, security and freedom of the American people.

My experiences on the battlefield and in the halls of Congress have given me a deep understanding of the complex challenges our nation faces. I’ve been a consumer of intelligence as a member of congress and a member of our armed forces for over two decades. I know first-hand how essential accurate, unbiased and timely intelligence is — to the President, to Congress, and to our warfighters — and the heavy cost of intelligence failures and abuses.

The truth is: What really upsets my political opponents is my consistent record of independence, regardless of political affiliation, and my refusal to be anyone’s puppet. You know who else is committed to defending our country and reforming Washington with a fierce and unparalleled independence, President Donald J. Trump who ran and won with a mandate for change this November.

My life is a testament of the truth of my loyalty to God, country and the Constitution. If confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, I will continue to live by the oath I have sworn at least eight times in my life both in uniform and as a civilian: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.