The Senate confirmed the two Cabinet secretaries Friday, the first of President Trump's nominees.

Both were sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence Friday night.

  • Senate confirmed James Mattis, John Kelly Friday
  • Mattis is Defense Secretary, Kelly is Homeland Security Secretary
  • Debate on CIA director nominee Mike Pompeo Monday
  • COMPLETE COVERAGE: D.C. Digest

General James Mattis was confirmed for Defense Secretary in a 98-1 vote Friday afternoon, with New York Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand as the lone no vote.

He is the first Cabinet secretary to be confirmed, but it was expected that Mattis would get his confirmation with no problems.

Mattis will replace Ash Carter, who has been defense secretary since February 2015.

In a statement to military personnel Friday, that his actions are aimed at making sure "our military is ready to fight today and in the future."

"Together with the Intelligence Community we are the sentinels and guardians of our nation. We need only look to you, the uniformed and civilian members of the Department and your families, to see the fundamental unity of our country. You represent an America committed to the common good; an America that is never complacent about defending its freedoms; and an America that remains a steady beacon of hope for all mankind.

"Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future. Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengthen our alliances. Further, we are devoted to gaining full value from every taxpayer dollar spent on defense, thereby earning the trust of Congress and the American people."

Last week lawmakers approved a bill to allow Mattis to become SecDef. An exception was needed to a law that bars former services members from holding the job if they have been out of uniform for less than seven years.

It was one of the first things President Trump signed into law Friday.

Mattis retired from the Marine Corps in 2013. 

The Senate also voted  to approve retired Marine General John Kelly as Homeland Security secretary in an 88-11 vote. 

Kelly is a strong supporter of Trump's planned crackdown on immigration, including building a wall on the Mexico border, however, he also acknowledges that the border alone won't stop illegal immigration. 

Kelly issued this statement Friday:

"I am honored and humbled to take on this responsibility to serve alongside the magnificent men and women of the Department of Homeland Security, and, I look forward to protecting our nation, its citizens, and preserving our liberty and upholding the rule of law as I continue my service to this great country. I ask for your patience and prayers as I take on this tremendous task together with you, and my only plea is that together we focus our loyalty on the Constitution that we all have sworn to preserve and protect and the nation we love.”

On Monday the U.S. Senate will debate on the nomination of Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kansas, for CIA director. There will be six hours of debate, possibly followed by a vote. Democrats blocked a vote on Pompeo Friday, citing several concerns, including statements from Pompeo supporting the collection of "lifestyle" information on U.S. citizens.

CIA director John Brennan resigned at noon Friday, along with the deputy director, leaving the CIA in the hands of the No. 3 official, Meroe Park.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.