The Senate on Wednesday approved Rex Tillerson to lead President Trump's State Department, despite a late effort by Democrats to slow down the nomination.

Tillerson was approved in a 56-43 vote. Though Democrats largely lined up against Tillerson, he got some Democratic support.

Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week MORE (W.Va.), Heidi Heitkamp Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampCentrists, progressives rally around Harris pick for VP 70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents Susan Collins set to play pivotal role in impeachment drama MORE (N.D.), Mark Warner Mark Robert WarnerOvernight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats Senate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint MORE (Va.) and Independent Sen. Angus King Angus KingOn The Trail: How Nancy Pelosi could improbably become president Angus King: Ending election security briefings 'looks like a pre-cover-up' USDA commits to trade aid for lobster industry using coronavirus coffers MORE (Maine) joined all Republicans in backing Trump’s nominee. Sen. Chris Coons Christopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsConservative activist Lauren Witzke wins GOP Senate primary in Delaware Coons beats back progressive Senate primary challenger in Delaware Democrats back away from quick reversal of Trump tax cuts MORE (D-Del.) skipped the vote.

Tillerson will take over his post as the country's top diplomat as lawmakers remain skeptical over Trump's foreign policy, including his stance toward Russia and Trump's controversial executive order on immigration.

Sen. Bob Corker Robert (Bob) Phillips CorkerHas Congress captured Russia policy? Tennessee primary battle turns nasty for Republicans Cheney clashes with Trump MORE (R-Tenn.) specifically pointed to Russia as one area he expects Tillerson to home in on.

"I would say the place that, if I were him, that I would want to be focused is my strategy on the Russia issue," he told reporters. "It's one where you know the president seems fairly engaged and I think as secretary of State he probably wants to make sure that he's developed his thinking on how to push back on Putin."

ADVERTISEMENT

He added that the administration also needs to "get on with" naming Tillerson's deputies.

Sen. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden couldn't be more different on climate change Congress should support independent oversight of federal prisons Senate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint MORE (R-Fla.) also noted his belief that the secretary of a State "is the most important cabinet position that the president has to nominate" as explanation for why he is supporting Tillerson despite concerns."

"There is so much uncertainty and debate about our role in the world these days," he said. "A lot of our allies have questions. Our adversaries are obviously watching very closely."

Democrats launched a failed effort to delay Tillerson's nomination until after he had time to weigh in on Trump's executive order, which bars citizens from seven predominately Muslim countries from entering the U.S., temporarily prevents all refugees from entering the country and indefinitely suspends resettlement for refugees from Syria.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: Schumer calls for Azar to resign over 'chaos' in coronavirus response CNBC's Cramer calls Pelosi 'crazy Nancy' in live interview Schumer calls for Azar to resign over 'chaos' in coronavirus response MORE (D-N.Y.) moved on Monday to delay a procedural vote, but was blocked by Sen. Tom Cotton Tom Bryant CottonHealth care in the crosshairs with new Trump Supreme Court list Cruz says he wouldn't accept Supreme Court nomination Republicans call on DOJ to investigate Netflix over 'Cuties' film MORE (R-Ark.).

Instead, Democrats shifted to an uphill battle to try to convince Republicans to vote against Tillerson.

They noted that dozens of GOP lawmakers had raised concerns about Trump's executive order and that Tillerson, a former CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., had not backed new sanctions targeting Moscow.

"This is all an advertisement for a very simple idea — that this is probably the absolute worst time to have the first American President with no government experience and no diplomatic experience pick the first Secretary of State with no government experience and no diplomatic experience," said Sen. Chris Murphy Christopher (Chris) Scott MurphyGOP chairman to release interim report on Biden probe 'in about a week' This week: House returns for pre-election sprint Battle over timing complicates Democratic shutdown strategy MORE (D-Conn.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Sen. Ben Cardin Benjamin (Ben) Louis CardinPPP application window closes after coronavirus talks deadlock Congress eyes tighter restrictions on next round of small business help Senate passes extension of application deadline for PPP small-business loans MORE (Md.), the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, added: “We need, as the next Secretary of State, a person who is going to be a leader in saying: We are going to use every one of our diplomatic tools to isolate Russia if they continue this activity of interfering with our elections."

- Updated at 3:03 p.m.