Sen. John Kerry confirmed as secretary of state

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman JohnKerry, D-Mass., sits before the committee he has served on for 28 years and led for the past four as he seeks confirmation as U.S. secretary of state, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. (KABC Photo)

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WASHINGTON (KABC) -- The Senate has confirmed Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry as the next secretary of state. The vote was 94-3. Once sworn-in, Kerry will replace Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is stepping down after four years.

The vote came just hours after the Foreign Relations Committee approved his nomination by voice vote. Kerry has led the committee for the past four years.

The five-term Democratic Massachusetts senator was not expected to face real opposition from his colleagues.

Kerry was expected to submit his letter of resignation to the Senate Tuesday. He has served on the Foreign Relations panel for 28 years and led the committee for the past four.