Wednesday, the Senate voted to confirm General H.R. McMaster as a National Security Advisor to President Trump.
National Security Advisor’s do not typically require Senate approval, but Senate confirmation is required when three and four-star generals change jobs or assignments. McMaster will remain in active duty.
Trump selected McMaster after Mike Flynn resigned last month.
USA Today reports:
The Senate backed key players of President Trump’s national security team on Wednesday, confirming his pick for intelligence director and clearing the way for an active-duty Army general to serve as his national security adviser.Senators voted 85-12 to approve the nomination of former Indiana senator. Dan Coats as director of national intelligence, making him the fifth person to hold the post created after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.Minutes later they voted 86-10 to re-appoint H.R. McMaster as a three-star general “to a position of importance and responsibility.” National security advisers aren’t subject to Senate confirmation. But McMaster elected to remain in uniform rather than retire from military service, and generals need the chamber’s approval when they’re promoted or change assignments.
Ten Democrats voted against McMaster’s confirmation. Sen. Schumer, Sen. Sanders, Sen. Warren, and Sen. Booker were among the dissenting votes:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was among the ten Democrats who voted no, a list that included more than half of SASC Democrats: Sens. Kristen Gillibrand, of New York; Mazie Hirono, of Hawaii, Claire McCaskill, of Missouri, and Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts. Sens. Corey Booker, of New Jersey; Kamila Harris, of California; Ed Markey, Massachusetts; Jeff Merkeley, Oregon, and Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, were the others. In a floor speech before the vote, Schumer said the NSC had faced unprecedented turmoil, with the resignation of National Security Advisor Mike Flynn and inclusion of political strategist Steve Bannon—and expressed hope McMaster would be a “grounding presence.”“I have a great deal of respect for both his integrity and his abilities. But I remain deeply concerned that Gen. McMaster’s judgment may not be followed and instead the fevered dreams of Mr. Bannon will influence the most sensitive national security discussions and decisions,” Schumer said.
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