Washington, D.C.-- “Today, I walked over to the Senate to stand in the chamber to support the confirmation of Hillary Rodham Clinton as our next Secretary of State. I am extremely pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly and in a bipartisan fashion confirmed her. I have enjoyed a close working relationship with Secretary Clinton when she was First Lady and since she was elected in 2000 to the Senate and I can think of no one better suited to take on the important responsibilities of Secretary of State.

“Through her years as First Lady, as Senator and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Clinton has built up an impressive resume and has the kind of stature to best represent the United States abroad. I am sure that she will be welcomed warmly by the international community as America’s top diplomat.

“New York’s immediate loss is clearly our nation’s and the world’s gain. I look forward to collaborating with her and the Obama Administration, and through my role as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I am certain that she will be a key ally in working with the nations of our region.”