New York Times: Senate Confirms Gayle E. Smith as Head of USAID
“The Senate on Monday voted to confirm Gayle E. Smith, a former national security aide to President Obama, to lead the United States Agency for International Development, the federal agency responsible for overseas humanitarian issues like feeding refugees, building clinics, and distributing foreign aid. The vote was 79 to 7…” (Nixon, 11/30).

Reuters: After seven months, Senate approves Obama USAID nominee
“…Obama nominated Smith in April, but her nomination was delayed by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, a contender for his party’s 2016 presidential nomination, as a protest over the nuclear talks with Iran that led to the international agreement announced in July…” (Zengerle, 11/30).

U.S. Department of State: U.S. Senate’s Confirmation of Gayle Smith as Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development
In a statement, Secretary of State John Kerry said, “…There is no question that Gayle will be the right person in the right job at a crucial time. Her career in the Clinton Administration, at USAID, in the NGO community, and most recently at the White House has fully prepared her for this responsibility…” (11/30).