The Senate on Thursday confirmed former governor of Utah and diplomat Jon Huntsman to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Russia.
After President Donald Trump nominatedHuntsman in July, his confirmation sailed through the Senate without objection, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R., Utah) released a statement praising his friend and fellow Utahn on his appointment immediately after the Senate confirmed him.
“I congratulate my friend, Jon Huntsman, on his appointment to serve as the next Ambassador to Russia,” Hatch tweeted. “This particular ambassadorship requires a great deal of poise, intellect, and experience, and I have no doubt that Jon is the man for the job.”
NEWS: Jon Huntsman has been unanimously confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Hatch’s statement –> #utpol pic.twitter.com/OxmHzOpMkT
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) September 28, 2017
Huntsman previously served as ambassador to China and Singapore, and as a U.S. deputy trade representative. Both appointments saw no objections in the Senate confirmation. This time, Huntsman received bipartisan support from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who endorsed him a week after his appearance before the panel.
