VIDEO: Daines urges Pompeo’s confirmation as Secretary of State; Tester in opposition

Sen. Steve Daines on Wednesday took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support the swift confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State.

“The Administration is moving the needle toward a denuclearized North Korea and Mike Pompeo has played a leading role in those effort,” Daines said. “As Secretary of State, Mike would continue to defend and represent America’s interests abroad, protecting our national security and making the world a safer place.”

Earlier this week, Sen. Jon Tester announced his opposition to President Donald Trump's controversial nominee after meeting with Pompeo last week.

Tester also voted against Pompeo's nominatin to serve as director of the CIA, citing concerns over his record protecting Montanan's right to privacy.

"America needs a Secretary of State who will put diplomacy first as global threats increase and our nation is entangled in conflicts across the world. Our nation's top diplomat must be an honest broker, a tough negotiator, and a firm believer that war is a last resort. Mr. Pompeo has not convinced me that he is the right person for the job."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 11 to nine earlier this week in favor of Pompeo becoming the next Secretary of State.

That vote came after widespread speculation that the former Congressman from Kansas wouldn't receive a favorable recommendation.