The Senate discharged the nomination: “The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of the following nomination by unanimous consent and the nomination was confirmed.”

Ambassador Bleich earned his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a partner in the California firm of Munger Tolles and Olson LLP.

During his confirmation hearing Bleich laid out 5 areas he will focus on during his tenure:

1. Maintain and enhance military and intelligence sharing
2. Continue security ongoing efforts against terrorist threats
3. Strengthen dialogue on climate change, water resource management
4. Increase educational and cultural exchange between Australia and the U.S.
5. Full implementation of AUSFTA and further economic engagement in the region