Overview

• The Senate approved Sinha 51–47 using the new simple-majority cloture process adopted by Republicans on Sept. 11.
• The en bloc vote also confirmed Michael DeSombre as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Paul Kapur for South Asian Affairs.
• Sergio Gor was confirmed as ambassador to India and Sean O’Neill as ambassador to Thailand, filling several Indo-Pacific posts at once.
• The State Department highlights Sinha’s background as an orthopaedic surgeon and entrepreneur with practices in New York and consulting experience in Florida.
• Sinha’s July hearing drew criticism after he misstated U.S.–Singapore trade figures, and he is expected to be sworn in and present credentials in Singapore before assuming duties.