Senate confirms new Pentagon chief

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Ashton Carter as President Obama’s new secretary of Defense in a 93-5 vote.

Carter, 60, will be the 25th secretary of Defense and Obama’s fourth. He is expected to be sworn into office next week.

{mosads}Five Republican senators voted against Carter — Sens. Roy Blunt (Mo.), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and John Boozman (R-Ark.).

Earlier this week, the Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously approved Carter’s nomination.

Republicans on the committee were particularly pleased that Carter said he would consider recommending that Obama modify his Afghanistan troop drawdown schedule, if necessary, and that he was inclined to arm Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Carter’s nomination was well-received by both Republicans and Democrats, in contrast with outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, whose confirmation fell almost on party lines.

Carter brings a wealth of Pentagon experience to the job, having served in a variety of rules, including as deputy Defense secretary.

“He is one of America’s most experienced defense professionals, respected by Republicans and Democrats alike,” Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Thursday.

“In these positions, I have known him to be an honest, hard-working and committed public servant,” he added.