The Senate Finance Committee on Friday unanimously approved the nomination of Janet Yellen as Treasury secretary in a 26-0 vote.
Ms. Yellen, the former Federal Reserve chairwoman, testified before the committee Tuesday and called on Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package and pledged to work with lawmakers to help more workers save for retirement.
After casting her vote, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said Ms. Yellen might be the "most qualified Treasury secretary ever."
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the current committee chairman, said Republicans worked "expeditiously in the interest of bipartisanship," to get the nomination approved quickly. Mr. Grassley voted in favor "given her qualifications and belief that the president is entitled to pick his own cabinet members as long as they're qualified and reasonable, and there's no doubt about the qualifications of Dr. Yellen."
Several Republicans voiced concerns over policies Ms. Yellen and the Biden administration have floated, such as raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, but each supported her nomination.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said he struggled with his decision because of policy disagreements, but added that "there's no question she's qualified for this role, so I have to strike a balance between my advice and my consent."
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who will soon chair the committee, said it's crucial Ms. Yellen assume her new role quickly and urged the full Senate to vote on Ms. Yellen's nomination Friday afternoon.
