Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has been sworn in as US Ambassador to India

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was sworn in as the next US ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday.

Members of Garcetti’s family were present to witness the brief ceremony in Washington, DC

Garcetti was confirmed by the US Senate last week after a nearly two-year trial marred by persistent allegations that he ignored allegations of assault and sexual harassment against a former top aide.

Seven Republicans crossed the aisle to vote 52-42 for Garcetti on the ballot, but three other Democrats voted no.

In a statement after the vote, Garcetti said he was “delighted with today’s result, which was a crucial and bipartisan decision to fill an important post that has been vacant for far too long. Now the hard work begins.”

“I am ready and eager to take up my duties to represent our critical interests in India,” he said.

President Joe Biden originally nominated Garcetti for the office on July 9, 2021. After it stalled, Biden re-nominated him in January.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement she looks forward to working with Garcetti in his new role.

“I congratulate former Mayor Garcetti on his confirmation to serve as our country’s ambassador to the world’s largest democracy. His ability to strengthen our country’s position in the world stems from his experience of leading a global city, an academic background in international affairs and his service as a Navy intelligence officer, and the full confidence of the President,” she said Thursday. “Los Angeles is an international hub and I look forward to working with Eric as he represents our nation in New Delhi.”

An investigation requested by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last year concluded that it was “more likely than not” that former Garcetti senior adviser Rick Jacobs “exposed multiple individuals to sexual harassment and racial comments.” gave to others”. It is “extremely unlikely” that Garcetti was unaware of the behavior, saying that “by all appearances Mayor Garcetti is very involved in the day-to-day operations of his office.”

The White House blasted the report, saying in a statement: “This partisan report was a hit from the start and many of the claims have already been definitively debunked by more serious independent reports. The President has confidence in Mayor Garcetti and believes he will be an excellent representative in India at a critical moment and urges the Senate to confirm him quickly.”

Garcetti has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Jacobs’ alleged harassment behavior. After the report was released, he said in a statement that he “totally disagrees” with its conclusions.

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