Senate confirms Trump’s first two Cabinet members

Washington, Jan 21 (IANS) The US Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's first Cabinet members on Friday, formally approving his defenCe secretary and secretary of homeland security.

Marine General John Kelly was confirmed to be President Donald Trump's Secretary of Homeland Security and retired Marine General James Mattis will run the Department of Defence, CNN reported.

The vote for Kelly was 88 to 11.

Kelly, a four-star general who had been head of the US Southern Command, retired from the Marines in 2016, Politico reported.

The final vote to confirm Mattis was 98-1. New York Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was the only senator to vote against him, with Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions -- Trump's pick for attorney general -- abstaining.

"I am pleased by the confirmation votes of Generals Mattis and Kelly. These uniquely qualified leaders will immediately begin the important work of rebuilding our military, defending our nation and securing our borders. I am proud to have these two American heroes join my administration," Trump said in a White House statement, his first since becoming President.

"I call on members of the Senate to fulfil their constitutional obligation and swiftly confirm the remainder of my highly qualified cabinet nominees, so that we can get to work on behalf of the American people without further delay."

Trump signed a bill clearing the way for Mattis to be confirmed as his first action as President earlier Friday, CNN reported.

Congress passed the waiver -- making an exception to a law requiring defense secretaries be out of the military at least seven years before serving -- earlier this month.

The Senate will not consider Kansas Representative Mike Pompeo for Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director until Monday, after at least three Democrats objected to his quick confirmation over concerns including surveillance.

Instead, they voted on opening debate on his nomination, a procedural step.