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Senate clears way to confirm Perez as labor chief
The Senate voted on Wednesday to move toward approving Thomas Perez to serve as the Obama administration's new labor secretary, overcoming accusations from some Republicans that he was a crusading ideologue.
By a vote of 60-40, the Senate voted to limit debate on Perez and the chamber is expected to vote on his confirmation as early as Thursday.
Perez, 51, is currently the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
A minimum of 60 votes was needed for the Perez nomination to clear procedural roadblocks.
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez speaks during a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. December 21, 2011. (REUTERS/Benjamin Myers)
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