Topline
The Senate confirmed Eric Garcetti as the Biden Administration’s first Ambassador to India on Wednesday, nearly two years after the former Los Angeles mayor was nominated to the diplomatic post, drawing criticism over allegations that Garcetti mishandled claims of sexual misconduct against his former advisor.
Then-Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during a news conference near SoFi Stadium, on Feb. 2, … [+]
Key Facts
Garcetti was confirmed in a 52-42 Senate vote Wednesday, with three Democrats—including Sens. Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Mark Kelly (Ariz.)—voting against the nomination and seven Republicans—including Sens. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Susan Collins (Maine)—voting for Garcetti.
The nomination picked up momentum again last week when two Republican senators—Todd Young (Ind.) and Bill Hagerty (Tenn.)—reportedly joined Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and voted to bring the nomination to a full Senate vote.
President Joe Biden called the upcoming vote “important” at a Tuesday night fundraiser in Nevada, according to the New York Times, with White House reaching out to some senators in recent days to ensure his nomination was voted through.
Key Background
Garcetti, who served as mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2022, was nominated for the posting in July 2021. But his nomination was met with some controversy, as multiple men accused Garcetti’s former advisor, Rick Jacobs, of sexual misconduct in 2020, behavior the former L.A. mayor is accused of knowing about. Garcetti has denied any wrongdoing.
Further Reading
Biden Chooses Scandal-Plagued L.A. Mayor Garcetti As India Ambassador (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/03/15/senate-confirms-garcetti-as-ambassador-to-india-amid-controversy-over-handling-of-sexual-misconduct-claims/