The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a procedural resolution allowing the chamber to consider and vote on a package of 74 nominations, including Eric Wendt's nomination to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania.

The measure passed by a vote of 50-47, with three senators abstaining. While Wendt's inclusion in the package does not amount to final confirmation, it clears the way for the Senate to debate and vote on his nomination.

If confirmed, Wendt would become the first Senate-confirmed U.S. ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left her post in June 2023. For more than two years, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana has been led by chargés d'affaires after previous ambassadorial nominations failed to reach confirmation.

Wendt brings more than 34 years of active-duty military service to the role. He currently serves as a Professor of Practice in Command and Leadership at the Naval Postgraduate School.

During his military career as a three-star general, Wendt served in Europe as commander of NATO Special Operations Headquarters, overseeing NATO's special operations forces, including Albanian special operations units. He worked closely with Albania's defense leadership and military personnel during his tenure.

Earlier in his career, Wendt also served in Afghanistan as a Regional Deputy Commander, a position that included oversight of multinational forces, including troops from Albania.

The Senate is expected to hold a final vote on Wendt's nomination at a later date.