Solis Approved for Labor Secretary

Though Republicans criticized her for being unresponsive to their questions, Representative Hilda Solis passed easily today through a confirmation vote for Labor Secretary. 80 senators voted in Solis' favor and 17 against. The daughter of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants—both of whom were union workers—Solis has strong pro-labor and pro-union bonafides. The AFL-CIO and Service Employees Internation Union both cheered Solis' confirmation. "This is a proud moment," said SEIU's president. "That a child of immigrants who went to a public university could now be a member of the president's Cabinet speaks incredibly highly of our country." Like many other Obama picks, Solis' consideration slowed during an investigation into tax problems attributed to her husband.