"Dr. Esper has the experience, the knowledge, and the character for the job," said Sen. John Thune (R-SD).
"We have someone that is enthusiastically supported by Republicans and Democrats," said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
✅ West Point graduate
— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) July 23, 2019
✅ Army Ranger
✅ Combat veteran
✅ Secretary of the U.S. Army @EsperDOD is well-prepared to lead the @DeptofDefense. Today, the Senate voted to confirm Esper as our nation’s Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/3kUzSVojDK
Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman says if SecDef Esper is confirmed by Senate today, he'll be sworn in tonight. US will have it's first SecDef in seven months.
— paul mcleary (@paulmcleary) July 23, 2019
The final vote was 90 to 8.
There were some hints of the 2020 race for President in the final Senate vote, as five of “No” votes came from Democrats running for President: Booker (NJ), Klobuchar (MN), Warren (MA), Gillibrand (NY) and Harris (CA).
Also voting 'No' on Esper were three other Democrats - they included both Senators from Oregon, Merkley and Wyden, plus Markey (MA).
Two Senators did not vote - Isakson (R-GA), who is recovering from fractured ribs, and Sanders (I-VT).
The vote to confirm Esper means there is only one Cabinet post open in the Trump Administration - for the job of Secretary of Labor.
About the Author