Senate confirms Yellen as Treasury secretary, first female to hold the Cabinet post

The Senate on Monday decisively confirmed Janet Yellen as treasury secretary in an 84-15 vote, making her the first woman in U.S. history to hold that Cabinet post. 

One of her most immediate and early tasks will be working with Congress to get President Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed. The Biden proposal includes money to help Americans struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic and additional money for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

Yellen—who has previously served as Federal Reserve chair and was also the first woman in that role—is the third member of the president's Cabinet to secure confirmation.