Excitement in the Senate

Reuters as well as the Associated Press are reporting that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Sen. Hillary Clinton today as incoming Secretary of State, in a 16-1 vote. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) was the lone member of the committee to cast a dissenting vote, not surprising considering Vitter is the poster boy for hard-right conservatives. Vitter is most notable for his involvement in a prostitution ring, and for the gross hypocrisy of the GOP in forgiving his indiscretions. The full Senate is expected to vote on the nomination next week, shortly after President-elect Obama is inaugurated.

MSNBC is also reporting that Joe Biden will resign his senate seat today, effective 5pm and Sen. Clinton will address the Senate at 11am to say goodbye. Roland Burris will also be sworn in today by Vice President Dick Cheney. Roll Call is also profiling Biden's replacement, Ted Kaufman, calling him Biden's "alter ego." And lastly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a vote for today on releasing the remaining $350 Billion dollars in TARP funds.

Foggybottom Watch, Hillary Edition: Clinton Confirmation Hearing Set

The Hill is reporting that Hillary Clinton's Senate confirmation hearing to be installed as incoming Secretary of State has been set for Tuesday, January 13th. John Kerry is now the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, and will preside over the confirmation. Kerry has already heaped praise on Clinton as America's top diplomat, indicating that her confirmation should be a cake walk. Constitutional barriers to her appointment were already removed by Congress in December, and most Senate leaders have indicated optimism towards the appointment.