WASHINGTON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Monday voted to confirm Robert Wilkie as Veteran Affairs (VA) secretary, despite unprecedented opposition from some Democrat lawmakers.
The 86-9 vote was the first time since the position was lifted to cabinet level in 1989 that saw "no" votes against a VA secretary nomination. The nine lawmakers who rejected Wilkie's nomination were all Democratic Party members, including heavyweights such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Dianne Feinstein.
Wilkie is now set to fill a four-month void created after David Shulkin was fired by President Donald Trump in a tweet after coming under fire for misusing public funds.
Trump sought to nominate White House physician Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson as Shulkin's replacement, but Jackson withdrew his bid for the position after accusations of misconduct against him surfaced.
Wilkie, a 55-year-old seasoned politician, has had an extensive career in Washington spanning from Capitol Hill to the Pentagon. Prior to arriving at the VA post, he served as undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Trump welcomed the appointment, saying he had no doubt that under Wilkie's leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs will "continue to make strides in honoring and protecting the heroic men and women who have served our Nation with distinction."