Senate confirms John Kerry as Hillary Clinton's successor

Washington, Jan 30: John Kerry is all set to replace incumbent Hillary Clinton as the new US Secretary of State after the Senate confirmed his selection by a 94-3 vote. This is the first Cabinet selection during Barack Obama's second term to be confirmed by the Senate. Friday is the last working day for outgoing Secretary of State Clinton.

The nomination of Kerry, a Vietnam war veteran and chairman of powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was confirmed on Tuesday by 94-3, with all three votes coming from Republican Senators James Inhofe and Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Cornyn is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus. Senator Robert Menendez, incoming Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted that Kerry was the best choice to head the State Department.

"When it comes to our role in world affairs, we agree that it is critical for the US to remain fully engaged and to project not only the power of our military strength where necessary, but the wisdom of our democratic ideals," he said.

Kerry's exhaustive experience and his relationship with global leaders will significantly help the US in its foreign policy matters, he noted. Exuding confidence in Kerry, Senator Frank Lautenberg noted the wide support for the diplomat reflected his great qualifications and ability to build global relationships. Senator Ben Cardin said Kerry's legacy of fighting for democracy, human rights and global peace will continue at the Department of State.

"He played a key role in bringing our troops home from Iraq and ending the war, and has been an advocate for peace and democratic transition in some of the most challenging conflict zones, from Sudan to Afghanistan," Cardin said. Kerry was nominated for the post by President Barack Obama in December last year, nearly a month after the Democrat secured a second term in office.

PTI