Senate OKs Biden sec’y of state pick
The Senate confirmed Antony Blinken to serve as secretary of state Tuesday, as President Biden presses ahead to fill out his cabinet with seasoned veterans of their respective fields.
Blinken (inset), who worked in a variety of senior capacities at the State Department and the National Security Council for nearly three decades, won confirmation for the top U.S. diplomatic post in a 78-to22 vote.
The senators who voted against Blinken’s nomination were all Republicans.
The new secretary of state, who’s the most senior cabinet official and fourth in line in the presidential succession, has worked closely with Biden for years.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Blinken will be a breath of fresh air after ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s combative relationship with U.S. allies.
“The failed diplomacy of the Trump administration weakened our alliances, emboldened our adversaries, and tarnished America’s reputation abroad. Tony Blinken is the right person to help rebuild,” Schumer tweeted after the vote.
A firm believer in interventionism, Blinken vowed during his confirmation hearing last week to “revitalize” U.S. diplomacy and leadership on the world stage after four years of President Donald Trump’s isolationist “America First” agenda.
“The reality is that the world doesn’t organize itself. When we’re not engaged, when we aren’t leading, then one of two things will probably happen: Either some other country tries to take our place, but not in a way that advances our interests or values,” Blinken testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jan. 19. “Or, maybe just as bad, no one does, and then you get chaos. Either way, that does not serve the American people.”
Blinken’s traditional approach to U.S. foreign policy garnered praise from both sides of the aisle. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a key Trump ally, said he expected a “big bipartisan vote” for Blinken’s confirmation and added, “You deserve it.”
Still, some Republicans were critical of Blinken’s views on Iran.
Blinken is likely to play a major role in Biden’s bid to restore portions of the Iran nuclear deal, which was rescinded by Trump and disliked by many Republicans.