Garcetti headed for confirmation to ambassador post after clearing key Senate hurdle

Eric Garcetti cLeared a crucial procedural hurdle in his nomination for U.S. Ambassador to India. This sets the stage for a full Senate confirmation vote Wednesday afternoon.

To end the debate, the Senate voted 52 to 42. advance Garcetti’s nomination To the floor, an outcome that was far less certain as Wednesday approached.

His nomination had been delayed for more than a year because of allegations that he knew about sexual harassment claims against one staff member. It was not clear how much support the nominee for President Joe Biden would get from his party members, as Democrats were uncomfortable with the scandal. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), stated Tuesday that he didn’t whip Democrats to vote in one direction or the other.

Three Democrats voted against Garcetti’s nomination. Seven Republicans supported Garcetti’s motion.

Moments after the vote was over, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.NY) made a short statement from the Senate floor. “The United States-India relationship is extremely important, and it’s a very good thing we now have an ambassador,” He stated.

GARCETTI NOMINATION BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE TO BECOME AMBASSADOR IN INDIA

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Garcetti’s nomination. This gives hope to the Biden government as it seeks to fill this position. Garcetti managed to win support from two Republicans, which suggests that he could lose some Democratic votes to be confirmed.

Garcetti was also successful in securing the support Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gilbrand (NY), who originally said that she would vote against him. This helped his prospects.

In July 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Garcetti to this position. He was then cleared by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But, Garcetti’s nomination was stopped after revelations of a sexual harassment case involving a former top-ranking adviser.

Garcetti said that he was at the confirmation hearing in December 2021. “never witnessed, nor was it brought to my attention, the behavior that’s been alleged.” A report by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-IA concluded that it was. “extremely unlikely” Garcetti did not know about the allegations against his staffer.

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Biden nominated Garcetti for consideration in this new Congress earlier this year after Democrats increased their Senate majority by 1 seat. Garcetti is still supported by Biden, according to the White House. “well-qualified to serve in this vital role.”

The vote in front of the Senate is scheduled at 2:15 p.m.