WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed President Barack Obama’s choice to serve as U.S. representative to the U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization, which has sent a team to help investigate the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine.
By voice vote on Monday, the Senate endorsed the choice of Michael Lawson of California. He will hold the title of ambassador.
Last week, Ukraine asked for assistance from the organization, which was created in 1944 and deals with air safety. The U.S. has said it has strong evidence that pro-Russian separatists with Russian support shot down the plane, killing 298 aboard. Russia has denied the allegations.
Lawson has been a major contributor to the Democratic Party and a fundraiser for Obama.
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