The other confirmation hearings

Last update: January 15, 2009 - 8:40 PM

Homeland Security: Janet Napolitano said the agency needs to focus on transportation security and securing biological and chemical facilities. "Let's go where the gaps are," she said.

United Nations: Susan E. Rice said she would work to strengthen the "indispensable if imperfect" institution, which many say is corrupt and mismanaged.

Interior department: Sen. Ken Salazar vowed to "clean up the mess" in the department, which has drawn criticism over a sex and drugs scandal and an auditors' report saying employees manipulated endangered species decisions to advance a political agenda.

Securities and Exchange Commission: Mary Schapiro outlined an ambitious agenda that included tighter regulation of hedge funds and credit rating agencies and greater oversight of insurance companies. She had no difficulty rebuffing the tepid criticism raised by some senators that she was "safe choice."

Secretary of State: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16 to 1 for Hillary Rodham Clinton to become the next secretary of state. It paves the way for a full Senate vote after President-elect Barack Obama takes office on Jan. 20.

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