Janet Yellen is confirmed as the first female Treasury secretary in US history
Source: CNN
New York (CNN Business)Lawmakers confirmed Janet Yellen as Treasury secretary on Monday, making her the first woman in American history to hold the position.
As head of the Treasury, she'll be tasked with shepherding President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan through Congress and overseeing its execution. The plan includes $1,400 stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, and increased funding for Covid-19 vaccinations and testing.
During her confirmation hearing last week, Yellen defended the size and scope of the plan, saying the first priority of the incoming administration must be to get the nation and its people through the pandemic before addressing other concerns, including America's ballooning deficit or raising taxes.
"Right now, with interest rates at historic lows, the smartest thing we can do is act big," she told the Senate Finance Committee.
She made clear her No. 1 priority would be to provide relief for those in the greatest need — especially minority workers and women, who have been hit hardest by the downturn.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/25/economy/yellen-treasury-secretary-first-woman/index.html
The vote was 84-15. For the life of me I can't understand why any Senator would have voted against her. But here are a few I picked up during the vote:
Hawley
Cruz
Paul
I'll get the official vote in a few minutes.
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