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Of all the vacancies in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet, few have been more closely watched than Secretary of State. On Tuesday, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry was confirmed to replace Hillary Clinton. Kerry, a Vietnam veteran, was easily confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 94 to 3, reports The Boston Globe.

Kerry enjoyed support from both Democrats and Republicans who say he is more than qualified to fill this vital Cabinet post. In addition to his time in Vietnam, which earned him a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Kerry has years of experience in international affairs. Most recently, he was the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“John has earned the respect of leaders around the world and the confidence of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, and I am confident he will make an extraordinary Secretary of State,” Obama said in a statement. “I look forward to his counsel and partnership in the years ahead as we ensure American leadership in the world and advance the interests and values that keep our nation strong.”

The smooth confirmation may signal good news for former Senator Chuck Hagel, whom Obama nominated to replace Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense. Hagel, who also spent time in Vietnam, will have his first hearing on January 31.