Full Senate confirms Jon Huntsman Jr. as U.S. ambassador to Russia

SALT LAKE CITY — The full Senate confirmed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. as U.S. ambassador to Russia on Thursday without a dissenting vote.

Huntsman's confirmation moved quickly after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved him Tuesday, just a week after holding a hearing on his nomination.

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., the committee's ranking Democrat, earlier said he "enthusiastically" supported Huntsman and wanted to get him to Moscow as soon as possible.

"Honored and humbled to serve our great country as U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Looking forward to joining America's Embassy team in Moscow," Huntsman posted on Twitter.

Huntsman, who is well-regarded on both sides of the political aisle, heads overseas at a time when the relationship between the U.S. and Russia is as strained as it has been since perhaps the end of the Cold War.

President Vladimir Putin recently expelled 755 U.S. diplomats from Russia in retaliation for Congress expanding sanctions on his country.

Also, ties between Russia and President Donald Trump and his campaign are the subject of multiple investigations, including by a special counsel appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice, former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Huntsman, 57, told the foreign relations panel last week that he is aware of the "profound responsibilities" that come with the job.

"Our relationship with Russia is among the most consequential and complex foreign policy challenges we face," he said. "As a nuclear superpower and permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, we have no choice but to deal with Russia on a range of issues touching on global stability and security."

Russia continues to threaten stability in Europe, restrict the human rights of its people, and disregard arms-control obligations, Huntsman said. There is no question, he said, that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and continues to interfere with democratic processes of U.S. allies.

Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador to China and Singapore, said he would advance American goals, including defeating ISIS, countering terrorism, upholding arms control and non-proliferation commitments, finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria and resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

“This particular ambassadorship requires a great deal of poise, intellect and experience, and I have no doubt that Jon is just the man for the job," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who worked as general counsel for Huntsman in the governor's office, called him a dedicated public servant.

"He is an experienced statesman, and I know he will tackle this role and its responsibilities with the same efficiency, effectiveness and fine-tuned diplomacy that he applied" as ambassador to China and as governor, Lee said.

Huntsman's wife, Mary Kaye, posted a picture of her husband on Instagram with the caption, "Looks like we are soon off to Russia. It's now official! Unanimous vote from the full Senate. So enormously proud of this guy. In think we are no doubt in for quite a ride."

His daughter Abby Huntsman, a Fox News reporter, also posted a picture of her father on Instagram, saying it was no surprise the Senate unanimously confirmed him.

"Now my parents are off to Russia, such a bittersweet feeling. As much as I selfishly want them to stay on U.S. soil, there is truly no one better to step in and take charge of our most challenging relationship. The country is lucky to have him, and I'm even more lucky to call him my dad and best friend. A true servant and patriot. So are you @marykayehuntsman. Love you both so much!"

Gov. Gary Herbert, who served as lieutenant governor under Huntsman, tweeted, "Congratulations to my dear friend @jonhuntsman. You will serve our country well and make our state proud in your new role."

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney tweeted, "His experience and clear-eyed resolve are badly needed."

Huntsman's name for the critical diplomatic post first surfaced in March, and the White House acknowledged he was Trump's pick, though the president didn't formally nominate him until July.

A two-term Republican governor and 2012 presidential candidate, Huntsman has vast state, national and international government experience.

Huntsman served as U.S. ambassador to China under former President Barack Obama and U.S. ambassador to Singapore under former President George H.W. Bush. He also served as a U.S. trade representative in Asia. The Senate confirmed him for those posts without a single objection.

Related topics