WASHINGTON — During a Wednesday afternoon session, the United State Senate approved  Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s bid to be ambassador for international religious freedom in the Trump administration.

For the second time on Wednesday, Republicans needed a deciding vote from Vice President Mike Pence to determine the outcome. Senators voted along party lines, 50-49. Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee were absent.

Thank you to @POTUS, @VP, and all the Senators who supported my nomination. I’m looking forward to starting my new position as Ambassador and working hard for the American people and religious freedom around the world. #ksleg

— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) January 24, 2018

Pence had arrived in the chamber earlier and cast the final vote to cut off debate on Brownback’s nomination.

Brownback will now set a date to resign and, fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer would be elevated to governor.