Senate Gives John Kerry Final Green Light for Secretary of State Job

3 months ago

Well-liked senator was backed unanimously by the foreign relations committee

It is done. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts received final approval from his colleagues to become secretary of state for the second Obama administration. His confirmation was met with applause on the Senate floor on Tuesday, after he was backed unanimously by the foreign relations committee. Kerry, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran and U.S. senator since 1985, was the Democratic presidential candidate in 2004. His nomination was put forward after the U.S. ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, withdrew from consideration for the job in December. Kerry replaces Hillary Clinton, who is stepping down after four years in the job during the first Obama administration. (BBC)