Topline:
In a 52-42 vote today, the Senate confirmed President Biden’s nomination of former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for the role of ambassador to India. Biden first nominated Garcetti in July 2021.
Why it matters: India is a hugely influential power. Leaving a vital diplomatic position vacant for several years isn’t productive at a time when India has continued to develop better relationships with countries the United States considers to be adversaries, like Russia and China.
The backstory: Ambassadorship nominations usually take anywhere from a few months to years to fully process, but Garcetti’s nomination has been held up for several years due to the alleged behavior of former adviser Rick Jacobs. Former staff members have claimed Garcetti knew of instances in which Jacobs sexually and verbally harassed other employees but took no action to remedy the behavior. Garcetti has denied any knowledge of the harassment taking place.
