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2h ago

Senate Confirms Hung Cao as Undersecretary of the Navy in 52-45 Vote

The close decision fills the Navy’s No. 2 civilian post, leaving most other secretariat jobs in acting hands.

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Overview

  • The Senate approved Cao 52-45 after his June Armed Services Committee hearing and months awaiting a floor vote.
  • The roll call was largely along party lines, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski the lone Republican to vote no and Sen. Tim Kaine opposing his former campaign rival.
  • Cao becomes the department’s second-ranking civilian under Secretary John Phelan, succeeding career official Brett Seidle who had been performing the duties.
  • Only the secretary and undersecretary are currently Senate-confirmed across the Navy secretariat, with assistant secretary and general counsel roles filled by acting officials.
  • The confirmation occurred during an ongoing federal government shutdown, and separate reporting noted Vice Adm. Karl Thomas is being processed for a fourth star and Fleet Forces Command, which the Navy declined to discuss.