Senate confirms Perez as next secretary of labor

Washington – The Senate confirmed Thomas Perez on July 18 as secretary of labor with a 54-46 vote.

Perez, who is a former secretary of labor for Maryland and most recently served in the Department of Justice as its top civil rights attorney, will become the 26th secretary of labor. He takes over for Hilda L. Solis, who stepped down from the position in January.

President Barack Obama nominated Perez on March 18.