WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft as the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in a 56-34 vote, filling a seven-month-long vacancy.

The largely party-line vote on Craft demonstrated a sharp contrast to that of her predecessor, Nikki Haley, who was supported by 96 senators during her confirmation vote in 2017.

In a floor speech prior to the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Craft as "a very impressive individual to serve in the critical role of UN ambassador," despite strong concerns from Democratic lawmakers, who questioned Kelly's qualifications, position regarding climate change, and possible conflict of interest.

Craft, 57, is currently the U.S. ambassador to Canada. Haley stepped down in December 2018.