The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Janet Yellen as Treasury secretary in a 84-15 vote Monday.
Ms. Yellen, former Federal Reserve chairwoman, will be the first woman to hold the Treasury's top post.
During her Jan. 19 confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Ms. Yellen urged Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package and pledged to work with lawmakers to help more workers save for retirement.
The committee unanimously approved her nomination Jan. 22 in a 26-0 vote, as members on both sides of the aisle praised her vast qualifications and experience.
Ms. Yellen has been a vocal advocate of President Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion relief package, which includes direct payments to individuals, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, aid to small businesses and a national vaccination program.
"Economists don't always agree, but I think there is a consensus now: Without further action, we risk a longer, more painful recession now — and long-term scarring of the economy later," Ms. Yellen said during the Jan. 19 hearing.
