Senate votes 97-1 to confirm Obama's nominee to head Commerce

The Senate confirmed President Barack Obama’s nominee to head the Commerce Department in a 97-1 vote.

Earlier this month, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved Penny Pritzker's nomination. In her new role she will be expected to call on her business experience to suggest ways that Congress and the White House can do to spur job creation, especially for young people and the long-term unemployed, who are struggling to find work. “I am pleased the Senate took bipartisan action to confirm Penny Pritzker as our next Commerce Secretary,” said President Obama. “Penny is a proven leader, a successful entrepreneur, and one of the most accomplished and highly-respected women in business today. She knows what it takes to build companies from the ground up, and she shares my belief in doing everything we can to help businesses and workers succeed and make America a magnet for good jobs. Penny will be a key member of my economic team as we continue to work to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class.”

Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was the only senator to vote against Penny Pritzker's confirmation. “We need a Secretary of Commerce who will represent the interests of working Americans and their families, not simply the interests of CEOs and large corporations," Sen Sanders said.