Posted on 01/23/2017 9:37:41 AM PST by mandaladon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Senator Marco Rubio reluctantly backed President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, in a move that all but secures Senate confirmation of the former Exxon Mobil Corp chief executive as the nation's top diplomat later on Monday.
Rubio said he was troubled by Tillerson's recent responses before lawmakers regarding Russia as well as other countries, but that he ultimately decided he would vote to approve the nominee in deference to Trump, as well as to fill a critical top job.
"Despite my reservations, I will support Mr. Tillerson’s nomination in committee and in the full Senate," Rubio said in a statement ahead of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's vote on Tillerson.
A vote in the Republican-controlled Senate was expected shortly after the committee vote. Tillerson was expected to win confirmation, despite opposition from Democrats.
Rubio, a onetime rival to Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, said he would not be so deferential regarding Trump's other nominees for top State Department posts.
At a confirmation hearing earlier this month, Tillerson's views appeared to be at odds with Trump's on key foreign policy issues such as nuclear proliferation, trade deals, climate change and relations with Mexico.
The nominee also had a tense exchange with Rubio on whether he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was a war criminal, in reference to Russia's military actions in support of Syria's government. Tillerson said he would not use that term.
Tillerson, 64, also sidestepped questions on human rights, declining to condemn countries like Saudi Arabia and the Philippines for rights abuses.
Over the weekend, fellow Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said they would back Tillerson despite their concerns over his relationship with Putin as CEO of one of the world's largest corporations.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
Thanks for making yourself relevant little marco.
Now go do the gay soap suds dance...
Good
“Tillerson, 64, also sidestepped questions on human rights, declining to condemn countries like Saudi Arabia and the Philippines for rights abuses.”
Of course there was no such questioning of Hillary or Kerry on the subject.
He looked like a fool in the process. He gives a sanctimonious lecture to Tillerson and makes it sound like Tillerson doesn’t live up to those high standards, then caves in and votes for him. He either should have not given the lecture or he should have had the guts to vote no. Btw, I’m glad Tillerson will be approved. He seems like a smart, capable guy who has a long record of achievement.
Stay out of those bubble baths with boys, little Marco. What happened to your bull shit objections? I guess you saw the million and a half at the inauguration and got wobbly.
First God answers prayers for Trump, then answered my “anyone but Romney and preferably not Giuliani for Secretary of State” prayer.
Now it seems that the most contested appointment is Betsy DeVos for education Secretary. Any others?
*prayers* May God’s will be done!
Boooo Hissss,
Tillerson is unqualified to hold ANY office or leadership position due to his pressuring the BSA into accepting gays.
Rubio realized he was putting his reelection chances on the line, and the risk was high if he voted against Tillerson. There WOULD be a GOP primary opponent who would use that vote against him.
Little Marco needs a good arse whipping.
The problem is - he would probably enjoy it.
Scott Pruitt for EPA.
The left is going even more bat Shiite crazy than usual over this guy.
I live in Maine, and there are endless radio and TV ads laying into this guy and urging Susan Collins to vote no.
Of course, it’s the environmentalist wackos who are running these ads, probably with Soros money.
OMG!!! I LOATHE LOATHE LOATHE the “Climate Change” - lobby.
Will pray for him too! THANK YOU!
Oh yes and the downfall of Soros and his empire, followed by his spiritual salvation is going to be a fixture in my prayer.
Hungary is paving the way by nixing his NGO’s.
He has been tutored by Comey.
Two bit little girlie boy had best behave itself.
As Floridians we ALL ought to give “little” Marco, the gang of 8, a real earful!!!
Good boy, little Marco. If he keeps it up Santa will bring him a toy train for Christmas.
Little Marco is just another among many GOP politicians with zero political instincts or skills.
The only reason you occupy the chair that you do, Marco, is because of the R by your name.
But even that wasn’t good enough for me to vote for you. I’d just as soon let your seat go to a Demonrat, you useless little turd.
Dearest Florida voters: primary this little guy.
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