WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after voting to confirm Antony Blinken as Secretary of State. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 78 to 22.

“Throughout our nation’s history, America has drawn strength and gained influence from our allies and strategic partners. These bonds have bolstered America’s national security and made vital contributions to both our domestic interests and overall global stability. Unfortunately, the last several years have seen some of those relationships unnecessarily frayed, key American commitments devalued, and some of our longtime friends forced to reexamine their faith in our country’s traditional role as a leader on the world stage. It’s time to reverse this dangerous trend, and I believe that Antony Blinken has the experience and the moral compass required for this delicate time, and will work as our nation’s top diplomat to change course where necessary and sustain progress where appropriate.

“One of the great leaders of the 20th century, Winston Churchill, famously said, ‘there is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.’ He was spot-on – which is why it’s past time to rebuild our bridges with our allies and partners where needed, so we can more effectively confront revisionist powers multilaterally and respond to transnational threats like cyber, nuclear proliferation and climate change. I look forward to working with Secretary Blinken as he prioritizes alliances and reinvigorates our place as a global leader that actively engages the world.”