Thomas E. Perez was approved for confirmation as secretary of labor by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Thursday.
The 12-10 vote represented a split between Democrats and Republicans that is expected to carry over to the full Senate when his confirmation comes up for a final vote.
Republicans, led by ranking committee member Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., are unhappy with Mr. Perez's handling of cases while assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights. Mr. Perez, who served as Maryland's secretary of labor from 2007 to 2009, is strongly supported by committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who called Mr. Perez “extremely qualified.”
