The US Senate voted overwhelmingly last night to confirm Robert Gates as the replacement for former defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
The 95-2 vote was a victory of sorts for President Bush, who nominated Mr Gates to replace Mr Rumsfeld at the Pentagon last month.
However, much of Mr Gates's support stemmed from his pledges to consider new options in Iraq. Overshadowing the vote was the release of an independent study condemning Mr Bush's approach to the war, increasing pressure on the White House to change course.
"I am confident that his leadership and capabilities will help our country meet its current military challenges and prepare for emerging threats of the 21st century," Mr Bush said in a statement after the Senate vote.
He said Mr Gates had shown during his confirmation hearing this week before the Senate Armed Services Committee that he is "an experienced, qualified, and thoughtful man who is well respected by members of both parties and is committed to winning the war on terror."
Overall, 52 Republicans, 42 Democrats and one independent voted for Mr Gates. Three senators did not vote, and two Bush allies,
senators Rick Santorum and Jim Bunning, voted against Mr Gates, citing his criticism of the war and his view that the US should engage Iran as part of a solution.
Democrats said they decided to endorsed the new defense secretary because of his frank assessment of the Iraq war and his openness to change. Many of them said they saw the Iraq Study Group's report and the change in leadership at the Defense Department as the necessary impetus for a different approach to Iraq.
The White House said Mr Gates would be sworn in on December 18th.
AP