The Senate soon confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state on Monday, voting overwhelmingly to provide President Donald Trump his second Cabinet part on Inauguration Day. The voting was significant at 99-0, with Rubio being among the least provocative of Trump’s contenders.
Another find, John Ratcliffe for CIA director, is also expected to have a sharp voting, while actions on others, including past combat veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth for security secretary, is expected later in the week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune moved rapidly, saying he expected voting to start “imminently” on Trump’s contenders.
” Marco Rubio is a very clever man with a remarkable knowledge of American foreign policy,” Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the senior-most Republican, said as the room opened. It’s usually tradition for the Senate to convene soon after the opening to start putting the novel president’s team in place, especially the national protection officials.
Progressives have calculated it’s better for them to be seen as more willing to work with Trump, more than simply mounting a siege to his contenders. They’re holding their criticism for some of his various takes who have less help, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and vaccine skeptical Robert F Kennedy Jr for heath minister.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said his party did “neither rubber-stamp contenders we feel are greatly unqualified, nor oppose contenders that deserve serious consideration. ” He added that Rubio is an example of” a qualified candidate we think may become confirmed immediately. “
Senate committees have been holding extensive confirmation sessions on more than a few of the Cabinet nominations, with more to travel this year. Many panels are expected to meet later Monday to start voting to enhance the nominations to the full Senate for confirmation.
The Senate foreign relations committee advanced Rubio’s election later Monday, while the Senate armed services committee and Senate intelligence committee advanced the votes of Hegseth and Ratcliffe, both.
As secretary of state, Rubio would be the world’s leading minister and the first Latino to hold the position. Born in Miami to Cuban newcomers, he has long been involved in foreign affairs, especially in South America, and has emerged as a bird on China’s rise.
During his confirmation reading, Rubio highlighted fears about America’s “unbalanced connection” with China. While sharing Trump’s anti-globalist opinions, he’s recognised as an idealist who values British world relationship.
Rubio anticipates aid from both parties. He would achieve Antony Blinken, who expressed desire for consistency in Middle East laws regarding Gaza and Ukraine’s military against Russian aggression.
The Senate is split 53-47, but the departure of Vice President JD Vance drops the GOP lot to 52 until his successor arrives. Republicans need virtually every party member in line to defeat Democratic opposition to nominees, with objection from any one senator forcing the Senate into legal steps that may drag voting after into the week.
