Senate Approves New Deputy Secretary of State

In a recent Senate vote, lawmakers approved Michael Rigas from Virginia to be the new Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. This position is important because it helps manage the operations and resources of the State Department, which handles America’s foreign affairs.

The Senate voted 51 to 45 in favor of a special procedure called “cloture,” which allows them to limit debate on Rigas's nomination and move forward to a final vote. This procedure is usually used to speed things up when there is a lot of discussion.

Most Republicans supported Rigas’s nomination and played a big role in getting it approved. They believe he will be a good fit for this role and help the State Department run smoothly. In contrast, a majority of the Democrats were against Rigas, expressing concerns about his qualifications and views.

The approval of Rigas is a significant step for the Biden administration as they continue to fill key positions in government. With this nomination secured, the State Department can now move forward with its important work on international issues.