WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Ashton B. Carter to be the next defense secretary, installing a new Pentagon chief as the United States increases military action against the Islamic State.
Mr. Carter, a former deputy defense secretary who is President Obama’s choice to replace Chuck Hagel, was approved by a vote of 93 to 5, a striking scene of accord as tensions mount over the wait to confirm Loretta E. Lynch as the next attorney general. Five Republicans opposed Mr. Carter’s confirmation.
The transition to a new Pentagon chief comes as Congress considers a number of pressing defense issues, including a request by Mr. Obama that would formally authorize military action against the Islamic State.
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A physicist and former Pentagon official who oversaw the purchase of weapons systems, Mr. Carter began his career at the Defense Department as an assistant secretary charged with international security policy during the Clinton administration.
Mr. Carter will succeed Mr. Hagel, who announced his resignation in November under pressure from Mr. Obama over the mounting conflicts in the Middle East and agitation from Republicans, including those with whom Mr. Hagel once served in the Senate.
