WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Monday, the Senate voted 56 to 43 on the nomination of Tillerson, after an extended debate over the nominees’ business dealings with Russia and his stances on international sanctions.
Senator Ben Cardin argued during the Monday confirmation debate that Tillerson's business orientation with his close ties to Russia continues to be a subject of concern.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Monday also opposed the nomination and asked to delay the vote on Tillerson in the light of President Donald Trump's executive order blocking refugees from entering the United States.
On January 23, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Tillerson as the new secretary of state, but the vote was divided with along party lines with Republicans on the committee supporting the nominee and Democrats voting against him.
