Thursday, July 18, 2013

Senate clears hurdle for Labor secretary nominee

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Senate has voted narrowly to end a filibuster against President Barack Obama's nominee to head the Labor Department, Thomas Perez.

The 60-40 vote to end the delaying tactics all but assured that the chamber would give final approval to Perez to become labor secretary. It was initially unclear when that confirmation vote would occur.

Perez's nomination was among seven included in a deal this week. Top Republicans agreed to end procedural delays against the seven, in return for Democrats dropping efforts to weaken the Senate's filibuster rule.

Perez is a top Justice Department official. Republicans have been criticizing him for not obeying a congressional subpoena that sought his personal emails in a whistle-blower case against the city of St. Paul, Minn.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

The Senate has easily confirmed Fred Hochberg for a second term heading the Export-Import Bank as a bipartisan pact seems to be holding over seven of President Barack Obama's stalled nominations.

Senators prepared to cast a second, more controversial vote on whether to end a filibuster against Thomas Perez. He's Obama's pick for Labor Secretary.

Perez is a top Justice Department official. Republicans have been criticizing him for not obeying a congressional subpoena that sought his personal emails in a whistle-blower case against the city of St. Paul, Minn.

It takes 60 votes to end filibusters, delaying tactics aimed at killing bills or nominations. In a deal announced Tuesday, top Republicans agreed to end delays against the nominations and Democrats promised to drop efforts to change Senate rules limiting filibusters.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-clears-hurdle-labor-secretary-nominee-203817724.html

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