The Senate has confirmed Democratic Sen. John Kerry as President Obama’s new Secretary of State, replacing Hillary Clinton. The final tally was 94 in favor and three opposed. After the vote, Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Dick Durbin of Illinois paid tribute to Kerry’s legacy.

Sen. Chuck Schumer: “We so admire the job he has done in his past life and many different phases. We’re excited that he’ll be our secretary of state. And I think for John Kerry the best is yet to come.”

Sen. Dick Durbin: “His passionate pursuit of a safe and just nation and world, his deep sense of patriotism and commitment to America’s most challenged values are well documented. While I’m sorry to loose him in the Senate as a colleague, I can think of no better person to serve as our nation’s next secretary of state.”