WASHINGTON — The Senate Armed Services Committee has confirmed the first openly gay leader of a U.S. military service, voting Thursday to approve the nomination of Eric Fanning to be Army secretary. President Obama’s historic nomination of Fanning to serve as secretary of the Army now heads to the full Senate for a final vote.
“We are thrilled to see Eric Fanning confirmed by the Senate Armed Services Committee,” said American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack. “History continues to be written and equality marches forward with the nomination of an openly gay man to serve in this significantly important role. Fanning’s expertise and knowledge within the defense community more than qualifies him to serve as Secretary of the Army. We urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm his appointment.”
Fanning has served at senior levels in the Navy, the Air Force, and the Army.
