Jack Lew confirmed as next treasury secretary
Jack Lew, President Obama's former chief of staff, was confirmed by the Senate as the next treasury secretary by a vote of 71-26.
Lew, who joined the Obama administration in 2009, testified earlier this month before the committee about his record both with the Obama administration and in the private sector. Of particular concern among Republicans were various elements of his record at the Wall Street giant Citigroup, where he worked from 2006-2008.
Nevertheless, Lew, who worked under the Clinton administration as a budget director, faced only minor opposition in his bid to become treasury secretary, particularly compared to other controversial cabinet nominees, such as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who cleared the Senate yesterday and began work at the Pentagon this morning.
Lew replaces Timothy Geithner, who stepped down as treasury secretary last month and recently joined the Council on Foreign Relations as a distinguished fellow.