Solis nomination clears committee

Labor groups are applauding the delayed committee vote endorsing Hilda Solis for President Obama's labor secretary and pressing for final action.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee today forwarded the California congresswoman's nomination to the full Senate, which is expected to vote before leaving town for the President's Day recess.

The committee vote was delayed last week after questions about her pro-labor activities and after reports here husband had paid about $6,400 to settle outstanding tax liens against his auto shop. Solis and her husband were not aware of the liens until a newspaper reported them and that Solis was not involved in the business, the White House has said.

"With the job market in free fall, today's vote is hugely important," AFL-CIO president John Sweeney said in a statement tonight. "We have already lost valuable time getting the leading advocate for working people in our government in place. Rep. Solis is eminently qualified for this post, and she will be a vigorous champion for rebuilding a strong middle class and restoring balance to our economy.

"We urge the full Senate to confirm Rep. Solis swiftly so she can dig into the work that working families in our nation so desperately need her to do. The AFL-CIO looks forward to working with her to build an economy that works for everyone."