Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday he will back Rex Tillerson for the job of secretary of state.
McConnell, R-Ky., said Tillerson, the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., has acquired decades of experience in strategic planning, international partnerships and international leadership.
Tillerson “will bring these critical skills, knowledge and capabilities into an important role after eight years of the Obama administration’s uncertain leadership,” he said.
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Tillerson, announced Tuesday, has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who question his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But so far the GOP leadership appears to be aligned with Trump.
Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced he also backs Tillerson.
McConnell did not directly address criticisms of Tillerson’s ties to Russia.
“We need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination,” McConnell said.
