The U.S. Senate confirmed Jeh Johnson, a former Pentagon lawyer, as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Monday, Reuters reported.
Johnson, whose first name is pronounced "Jay" and served as the Defense Department's general counsel during President Barack Obama's first term, was approved by a 78-16 vote. He will replace Janet Napolitano, who left the position in September to work as president of the University of California system.
Obama, who nominated Johnson in October, expressed he was pleased that he was confirmed by Senate with bipartisan support.
"Jeh will play a leading role in our efforts to protect the homeland against terrorist attacks, adapt to changing threats, stay prepared for natural disasters, strengthen our border security, and make our immigration system fairer - while upholding the values, civil liberties, and laws that make America great," the president said.
Some Republicans previoulsy criticized Obama's nomination of Johnson, who raised funds for the president during his campaign.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said Obama "has tapped one of his former New York fundraisers. We need someone who knows how to secure the border, not dial for dollars," as he discussed a lack of border security between U.S. and Mexico.
Officials from the Obama administration claimed the president's choice stemmed from other accomplishments.
"The president is selecting Johnson because he is one of the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders, having served as the senior lawyer for the largest government agency in the world," a senior official from the Obama administration said.
"By advising the president and two secretaries of defense, he was at the center of the development of some of the most sensitive and important national security policies and strategies during the first term."
In addition to Johnson's new role, the Senate also approved Anne Patterson, the U.S. ambassador to Egypt, as the assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs. Patterson was also confirmed with a 78-16 vote.
Later this week, the Senate is expected to confirm Janet Yellen to chair the Federal Reserve.
