Chris Hill Is the New U.S. Ambassador to Iraq

The Senate, which overcame a meager attempt yesterday by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) to stop Chris Hill’s nomination to be ambassador to Iraq, just voted to confirm the new top diplomat to Baghdad. Here’s Sen. John Kerry’s (D-Mass.) statement:

“It took much longer than it should have, but I am pleased that Chris Hill has finally been confirmed as President Obama’s Ambassador to Iraq. He is one of the best diplomats we have in our country. Despite the significant security improvements, Iraq remains in a precarious state, and we need our Ambassador on the ground immediately. Ambassador Hill has personally assured me he will get to Baghdad as quickly as he can, and I look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts in any way I can.”