The Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, in an 11-10 vote Monday.
The decision was made along party lines after days of grueling questioning from members on both sides of the political spectrum.
A number of lawmakers expressed skepticism over Trump’s selection, questioning Tillerson’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After much deliberation, GOP Sen. Marco Rubio announced his support just hours before the vote on social media.
“Despite my reservations, I will support Mr. Tillerson’s nomination in committee and in the full Senate,” he wrote on Facebook.
Republicans, all of whom voted in favor of his passage, praised the experience he brings to the table.
“Rex Tillerson is an experienced leader who has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the critical issues facing America and our allies,” Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said in a statement. “I believe that Mr. Tillerson will be an exceptional Secretary of State and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of his confirmation in the full Senate.”
He is expected to pass the full Senate next week.
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