The Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE’s next pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Senators voted 54-41 to confirm Chad WolfChad WolfSchiff to subpoena top DHS official, alleges whistleblower deposition is being stonewalled The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose Amnesty International USA calls for halt on Chad Wolf nomination MORE to be the department’s under secretary of Homeland Security for strategy, policy, and plans.

Wolf has been filling the roll in an acting capacity. But giving him Senate confirmation allows for Trump to name him to be the acting Department of Homeland Security secretary.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wolf has been part of the administration's efforts to crack down on the flow of migrants at the southern border.

Prior to joining the administration, he worked as a lobbyist advocating for companies that used H-1B visas to employ foreign workers.

Wolf will become Trump's fifth acting or Senate-confirmed DHS secretary in less than three years, following Kevin McAleenan, who stepped down earlier this month, Kirstjen Nielsen Kirstjen Michele NielsenMore than million in DHS contracts awarded to firm of acting secretary's wife: report DHS IG won't investigate after watchdog said Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments violated law Appeals court sides with Trump over drawdown of immigrant protections MORE, Elaine Duke Elaine Costanzo DukeAppeals court sides with Trump over drawdown of immigrant protections Trump mulled selling Puerto Rico, former aide says Chad Wolf becomes acting DHS secretary MORE and John Kelly John Francis KellyMORE.

There were reports that Trump wanted to tap acting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ken Cuccinelli, another immigration hard-liner, to lead DHS.

But he was ineligible for the position under the Vacancies Act.

Cuccinelli is viewed as unconfirmable in the Senate due to his time spent supporting primary challengers against top GOP senators. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellDemocratic senator to party: 'A little message discipline wouldn't kill us' House to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power Republican lawyers brush off Trump's election comments MORE (R-Ky.) previously warned against naming him to lead the department.

CNN reported on Wednesday that Cuccinelli is expected to be named to be acting DHS deputy secretary.