Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s nomination to be President Joe Biden’s top envoy to Japan is being opposed by two Democratic senators, but Republican support could ultimately carry him to confirmation.
Emanuel’s nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday and sent to the Senate floor on a voice vote as part of a slate of nominees. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Ed Markey of Massachusetts asked to be recorded as "no” on Emanuel’s nomination.
But Emanuel, who served as former President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, has support from several Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Roy Blunt of Missouri and Jerry Moran of Kansas. Both Blunt and Moran served with Emanuel in the House. Committee Chairman Bob Menendez predicted that GOP support will help ensure confirmation.