The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to Japan.
The committee on Wednesday backed the nomination of Rahm Emanuel by a majority vote.
Emanuel, a former congressman, served as chief of staff to Barack Obama. He is also believed to be close to President Biden.
He had been criticized by some Democratic Party members for his handling of a fatal shooting of a Black teenager by a white police officer when he served as mayor of Chicago.
Two Democrats on the committee voted against the nomination.
Emanuel is expected to arrive in Japan once he is endorsed by the full Senate.
A White House spokesperson said President Biden nominated Emanuel because he has experience and political skills suitable to represent the US in Japan, an important partner for the country.
About the Author
