Senate Confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Giving Trump the First Member of His Cabinet
Unanimous Vote for Rubio
The Senate quickly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state on Monday, voting unanimously to give President Donald Trump the first member of his new Cabinet on Inauguration Day. Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, is among the least controversial of Trump’s nominees and received a decisive 99-0 vote.
Swift Confirmation Process
It’s often tradition for the Senate to convene immediately after the ceremonial pomp of the inauguration to begin putting the new president’s team in place, particularly the national security officials. During Trump’s first term, the Senate swiftly confirmed his defense and homeland security secretaries on day one, and President Joe Biden’s choice for director of national intelligence was confirmed on his own Inauguration Day.
Rubio’s Qualifications
“Marco Rubio is a very intelligent man with a remarkable understanding of American foreign policy,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the senior-most Republican. Rubio, who was surrounded by colleagues in the Senate chamber, said afterward he feels “good, but there’s a lot of work ahead.” “It’s an important job in an important time, and I’m honored by it,” Rubio said.
Democratic Support
Democrats have calculated it’s better for them to be seen as more willing to work with Trump, rather than simply mounting a blockade to his nominees. They’re holding their opposition for some of his other picks who have less support, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary.
Confirmation Hearings
Senate committees have been holding lengthy confirmation hearings on more than a dozen of the Cabinet nominees, with more to come this week. And several panels are expected to meet late Monday to begin voting to advance the nominees to the full Senate for confirmation.
Rubio’s Background
Rubio, a well-liked senator and former Trump rival during the 2016 presidential race, has drawn closer to the president in recent years. He appeared last week to answer questions before the Foreign Relations Committee, where he has spent more than a decade as a member. As secretary of state, Rubio would be the nation’s top diplomat, and the first Latino to hold the position. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrants, he has long been involved in foreign affairs, particularly in South America, and has emerged as a hawk on China’s rise.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Marco Rubio as secretary of state marks a significant milestone in the Trump administration’s transition. With Rubio’s confirmation, the Senate has taken a crucial step in putting the new president’s team in place, and Rubio is poised to play a key role in shaping the administration’s foreign policy.
FAQs
Q: What was the vote count for Marco Rubio’s confirmation as secretary of state?
A: The vote count was 99-0.
Q: What is Marco Rubio’s background?
A: Rubio is a Republican senator from Florida and has spent more than a decade on the Foreign Relations Committee. He is the first Latino to be confirmed as secretary of state.
Q: What is Marco Rubio’s stance on China?
A: Rubio has emerged as a hawk on China’s rise and has warned of the consequences of America’s “unbalanced relationship” with China.
Q: What is the significance of Marco Rubio’s confirmation as secretary of state?
A: Rubio’s confirmation marks a significant milestone in the Trump administration’s transition and sets the stage for the administration’s foreign policy agenda.
