Cruz had been blocking most Ambassador nominations using procedural maneuvers because of a dispute with Biden over sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that Russia is building to Germany, but relaxed the hold in December. Cruz wants Biden to place sanctions on those involved with the pipeline. Unlike Garcetti, Guttman, who is the President of the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, did not get unanimous approval from the panel. The Republican leader on the committee, Ben Cardin, was among those opposing her nomination citing the university’s connections to China.

He said that under her leadership, the university “really is a poster child for the ongoing influence of China in our institutions of higher learning. The University of Pennsylvania has accepted millions, millions and millions of dollars in donations and contracts from China”. China has used “lucrative contracts, grants, exchanges, and other incentives to co-opt networks and institutions promoting PRC interest and manipulate public discourse”, he added.

When he appeared before the committee last month, Garcetti declared that he would “double-down on our efforts to strengthen India’s capacity to secure its borders, defend its sovereignty, and deter aggression” and pointed out that “India is situated in a tough neighborhood.”

“Few nations are more vital to the future of American security and prosperity than India,” he added. On issues given greater weight by Biden, he asserted that he would “engage closely and regularly with the Indian government” on human rights and matters relating to democratic institutions. Garcetti is close to Biden, having been the co-chair of his election campaign committee, and had been expected to join his cabinet, but the Mayor said that he withdrew from consideration for such positions citing the city’s need for his leadership. He is a former Navy intelligence officer and has taught international affairs at the University of Southern California, and diplomacy and world affairs at Occidental College.

Blome, who is the Ambassador to Tunisia, is a career foreign service officer. He has experience in the region, having been a political counselor in the Kabul embassy and an Iran desk officer at the State Department.