U.S. Senate confirms Huntsman as ambassador to China

It's Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. now.

Utah's governor was confirmed by unanimous consent without debate Friday by the U.S. Senate as ambassador to China shortly before senators adjourned for their August recess.

His long-awaited confirmation means Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert can go forward with Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony in the Capitol rotunda.

Huntsman is scheduled to deliver his farewell address to Utahns at the noontime inauguration, which is open to the public. He is expected to formally resign as governor shortly before the ceremony and then be sworn in as ambassador.

"I appreciate the confidence of the Senate and the president to represent our country," Huntsman said in a statement. "Serving the people of Utah has been our family's greatest honor. I thank the citizens for their continued support."

Herbert was attending a family reunion in Bear Lake Friday when he got the news, his transition director, Jason Perry, said.

"It kept us holding our breath to the very last moment, that's for sure," Perry said. "We're thrilled for him, and we're thrilled for the United States to have him there. We will miss him, but we know he will do a tremendous job in this capacity."

Huntsman turned over his public duties to Herbert in mid-May after being nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as ambassador. It took until late July to complete the necessary paperwork and background checks so the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could hold its hearing. There, Huntsman was praised by fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, and pledged to make human rights and dealing with climate change top priorities.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement he was pleased the Senate "recognized the tremendous qualities and leadership Gov. Jon Huntsman will bring to the position of ambassador to China." He called the ambassadorship "of extreme importance to our nation and to the international world."

Hatch said he looks forward "to great things from now-Ambassador Huntsman and have every confidence that he will continue to exemplify the leadership he demonstrated at the helm of our state, in a nation of great importance across the globe."

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said, he was "pleased to see his confirmation go through without any opposition. This speaks highly of his character and of his competency to strengthen relations between China and the United States during this important time in our history."