Shortly after the Senate voted in favor of a bipartisan fiscal deal to reopen the government and avert a default, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan.

The Senate confirmed Kennedy by unanimous consent, making her the first female U.S. ambassador to Japan in U.S. history.

President Obama nominated Kennedy, a 55-year-old author and attorney, to the diplomatic post in July.

Kennedy gave Obama's presidential campaign a major boost when she endorsed the Illinois senator in the 2008 presidential campaign. Kennedy was once considered a leading contender for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat when Clinton became secretary of state. Kennedy ultimately withdrew from consideration, citing a "private family matter."