WASHINGTON — The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Wednesday to advance the nomination of Eric Garcetti to be U.S. ambassador to India, sending it to the total chamber for approval.

The vote on the previous Los Angeles mayor was 13 to eight, with Democrats voting in his favor and successful over two Republicans: Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee.

The vote is a optimistic signal for Garcetti, whose nomination has been held up because it was made in July 2021, partially because of questions about his dealing with of sexual harassment claims in opposition to an aide whereas he was mayor. Garcetti has denied any wrongdoing.

It shouldn’t be clear when the total Senate will vote on his nomination; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stated Tuesday he hoped to convey it up “soon.” Garcetti wants a easy majority to win affirmation.

The Foreign Relations Committee approved Garcetti’s nomination in January 2022, however he by no means obtained a full Senate vote resulting from opposition from a number of senators, including some Democrats.

The U.S. doesn’t at present have a everlasting ambassador to India, regardless that President Joe Biden and his administration, together with many members of Congress, see the nation as a key strategic companion within the shared purpose of containing the rise of China.

Biden re-nominated Garcetti to the place earlier this yr after it lapsed on the shut of the final Congress.