Janet Yellen approved by Senate committee

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Janet Yellen was approved by the Senate Banking Committee Thursday as President Barack Obama's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, sending her confirmation to a full Senate vote.

Yellen, who, if confirmed, would be the first woman to run the the Fed, received the support of 11 of the committee's Democrats and three Republicans, who advanced her nomination 14-8.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV, voted against Yellen, while Republican Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma voted to approve her.

While her confirmation will likely be far from unanimous, Yellen is expected to easily receive enough votes to take over from outgoing Fed chairman Ben Bernanke in a vote that is expected next month.

[New York Times]