• The Senate confirms Mike Waltz as U.N. ambassador with a 47 to 43 vote.
• Waltz replaces a previous nominee and fills the last cabinet vacancy.
• His confirmation comes before next week's U.N. General Assembly.
• Waltz emphasizes the need for U.N. reform and countering China's influence.
• His role at the General Assembly remains unclear due to procedural objections.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as the ambassador to the United Nations on Friday. This confirmation fills the last major vacancy in President Trump's Cabinet, with the vote tally standing at 47 to 43, predominantly along party lines. Some key Democrats, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, supported the nomination despite procedural hurdles that previously sent Waltz's confirmation back to committee earlier this week, according to CBS News, LA Times, and Reuters.

Waltz's appointment comes after the position remained vacant for eight months, a significant period during which U.S. engagement on crucial international issues was hindered. As the U.N. General Assembly approaches, there are uncertainties regarding Waltz's official role during the gathering as Senate objections prevented a formal designation for participation. Waltz previously faced criticism over his involvement in a sensitive military discussion that was inadvertently publicized, yet he aims to reshape U.S. presence in the U.N., according to CBS News, LA Times, and Reuters.

During his confirmation hearing, Waltz emphasized the need for “major” reforms at the U.N. and expressed the importance of the U.S. being present to counterbalance growing Chinese influence. He stated, "We should have one place in the world where everyone can talk," aiming to reestablish the U.N.'s core mission of peacemaking. Additionally, Waltz committed to addressing issues of antisemitism within the global organization, confirming a focus on reform and international dialogue as critical to his agenda, according to CBS News, LA Times, and Reuters.