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The full Senate is expected to vote on Mr. Kerry's confirmation Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Kerry, 69, a Massachusetts Democrat, has strong support on both sides of the aisle, making his confirmation all but assured.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was participating in a global forum at the State Department during her final week as secretary of state, expressed her hope that Mr. Kerry could make headway on the Middle East.

Taking note of the recent Israeli parliamentary elections, in which a centrist coalition made significant gains, Mrs. Clinton said that the shifting political landscape might facilitate progress.

"I actually think that this election opens doors, not nails them shut," she said. "I know that President Obama, my successor, soon to be Secretary of State John Kerry, will pursue this."