Senate confirms Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India

Former Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday received Senate approval to become the next U.S. ambassador to India, despite allegations that he ignored sexual assault allegations against a former aide while running the California city.

Garcetti cleared the Senate in a 52-42 vote, earning the support of seven Republicans while three Democrats opposed his confirmation, Politico reported.

Republicans Sens. Susan Collins, Maine, Bill Cassidy, La., Steve Daines, Mont., Lindsey Graham, S.C., Bill Hagerty, Tenn., Roger Marshall, Kan., and Todd Young, Ind., all backed his appointment.

Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly, Ariz., Maxie Hirono, Hawaii, and Sherrod Brown, Ohio, broke ranks to oppose him.

Garcetti will face the difficult task of strengthening Washington's relationship with New Delhi as the U.S. seeks to counter Chinese, Russian, and Iranian influence in Asia. The latter three nations have grown increasingly close as they all face intense international pressure over human rights issues and armed conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The former L.A. mayor received Biden's nomination roughly two years ago, though his confirmation, like many of the administration's nominees, was stalled by intense Republican scrutiny as well as the allegations that he was aware of sexual assault accusations against Rick Jacobs, a former top aide, but failed to act. Garcetti has denied knowledge of the allegations against Jacob before they became public.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.