Cabinet Members Confirmed

Congress approves Hillary Rodham Clinton and others for the new President's Cabinet

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The Senate has confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State.

Secretary Clinton will lead the State Department and represent America in working with foreign governments. She will also be a vital part of President Obama's national security team as an adviser on foreign affairs.

Like President Obama, Secretary Clinton wasted no time getting to work.

Clinton arrived at the State Department today, one day after her confirmation. She addressed State Department employees, encouraging them to think creatively. She also promised "robust diplomacy" in restoring America's reputation in the world.

And she expressed excitement about her new role.

"This is going to be a great adventure," said Clinton, the former First Lady and also a Senator from New York.

Other members of Obama's Cabinet have also assumed their positions.

On Inauguration Day, the Senate confirmed six other nominees for Cabinet posts.

Ken Salazar was confirmed as Secretary of the Interior. Tom Vilsack was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture. Steven Chu was confirmed as Secretary of Energy. Arne Duncan was confirmed as Secretary of Education. Eric Shinseki was confirmed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. And Janet Napolitano was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Robert Gates, Obama's Secretary of Defense, served in President George W. Bush's administration and was confirmed by the Senate in 2006. Because the Senate already confirmed him, he didn't have to go through the process again.

Confirmation Difficulties

Eight of Obama's 15 Cabinet picks are now in their posts. But there are two major positions still unfilled: Secretary of the Treasury and Attorney General.

Timothy Geithner is Obama's pick for Treasury Secretary. Geithner was on Capitol Hill yesterday for another round of confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Finance Committee. Questions have come up about his neglect in paying certain taxes in the early 2000s. He did eventually pay those taxes.

While some Senators have expressed concern about this lapse in judgment, they thought he would be confirmed by next week.

The other important confirmation being held up is that of Eric Holder as Attorney General.

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee have had questions about Holder's role in the Justice Department during President Bill Clinton's time in office. They also want more time to collect information on Holder's positions on counterterrorism issues.

Republicans forced a delay in voting on Holder's confirmation yesterday. This move frustrated Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. But despite the questions and delays, Holder is still expected to be confirmed.

The Secretary of Commerce post is also open. Nominee Bill Richardson withdrew himself from consideration earlier this month. Obama hasn't named a replacement yet.

The other Cabinet nominees still waiting to be confirmed are: Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor, Tom Daschle as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Shaun Donovan as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation. LaHood is expected to be confirmed today.

The Senate will likely confirm all these would-be Cabinet members next week.

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