Jack Lew, who President Obama nominated for treasury secretary in January, was confirmed for the position by the Senate in a 71-26 vote Wednesday.
A Queen native and Forest Hills High School graduate, Lew served as the president’s chief of staff for the last year and previously was the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Lew, who is replacing Timothy Geithner, is the second person to head the U.S. Treasury under the Obama administration.
“At this critical time for our economy and our country, there is no one more qualified for this position than Jack. As my chief of staff, Jack was by my side as we confronted our nation’s toughest challenges. His reputation as a master of fiscal issues who can work with leaders on both sides of the aisle has already helped him succeed in some of the toughest jobs in Washington. And I will continue to rely on his advice and sound judgment as we work to create good, middle-class jobs, provide more people with the skills those jobs require, and ensure every hardworking American can earn a decent living,” the president said in a statement following Lew’s confirmation.
