WASHINGTON – The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Antony Blinken to be the nation’s 71st secretary of state on Tuesday, as lawmakers scrambled to approve President Joe Biden's Cabinet nominees before impeachment proceedings begin. "Mr. Blinken has a long and distinguished history when it comes to state-craft and foreign relations matters," said Sen. James Risch, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He served as Biden's staff director on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for six years, starting in 2002. When Biden became vice president, Blinken became his national security director – before President Barack Obama elevated him to higher positions, including the No. In his confirmation hearing, Blinken promised to rebuild the State Department, repair frayed alliances and restore America’s global leadership.

Source: Libya Today January 26, 2021 17:37 UTC