Senate Committee Backs Waltz as U.N. Envoy Amid Scandal and Support
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly approved Mike Waltz, Trump's nominee for U.N. envoy, despite his ousting as national security adviser following a scandal. The nomination witnessed bipartisan support, but no full Senate vote is scheduled. Waltz advocated for U.N. reforms during his confirmation hearing.
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly endorsed Mike Waltz, President Trump's candidate for U.N. envoy, setting the stage for a full Senate confirmation vote. Waltz, formerly Trump's national security adviser, was removed from his role in May after becoming entangled in a scandal over a Signal chat discussing confidential military details.
Despite controversy, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the panel's senior Democrat, supported Waltz after securing promises of disaster aid for Haiti and Nigeria. This bipartisan support came as Republican Rand Paul sided with Democrats against Waltz, leaving the timing of the Senate vote uncertain, according to a spokesperson for Senate leader John Thune.
Amid pressure from Trump to expedite confirmations, Thune hinted at postponing the Senate's August recess to accelerate the process. During his confirmation hearing, Waltz emphasized needed reforms at the United Nations and the importance of America's role in countering China, expressing optimism to "make the U.N. great again."
(With inputs from agencies.)
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