Ashton Carter will be the country's 25th secretary of defense, after the Senate confirmed his nomination Thursday with an overwhelming vote of 93 to 5.
As we've reported, Carter, 60, had served as the No. 2 defense official under Leon Panetta and he was tapped by President Obama after his first two picks removed themselves from consideration.
"[Senate Armed Services Committee] Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday went to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support the nomination. "'I have known Dr. Carter for many years during his lengthy service in Washington,' McCain said. 'He is one of America's most experienced defense professionals, respected by Republicans and Democrats alike. "'I have had the opportunity to work together with Dr. Carter on several issues of shared concern, especially trying to reform the defense acquisition system, improving financial management of the department, and rolling back sequestration,' McCain said. 'America needs a strong secretary of defense now more than ever.'"
Carter will take over for Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who announced his resignation in November.
Copyright 2015 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
