US Senate confirms new Air Force secretary

Xinhua | Updated: 2019-10-17 14:37

Barbara Barrett testifies on her nomination to be Secretary of the Air Force before the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services on Capitol Hill in Washington, US on Sept 12, 2019. [Photo/VCG]

The US Senate Wednesday confirmed Barbara Barrett as the next secretary of the Air Force.

Barrett, former US ambassador to Finland, received 85 support votes in her bid to become the top official for the US Air Force.

"I can think of no position that offers more excitement, challenge and meaning than the Secretary of the Air Force," Barrett said after the vote, according to an Air Force news release.

Several senators remained opposed to Barrett's confirmation, arguing that she did not commit to stopping Air Force personnel from staying at Trump properties, a practice that has been scrutinized and prompted criticisms from Democrats.

Under Barrett, the Air Force is set to undergo structural changes as the United States beefs up its space fighting powers.

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