California Congresswoman Hilda Solis was nominated as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor by President Barack Obama on Friday, December 19, 2008. On February 24, 2009, Solis was confirmed by congress on a 80-17 vote.The Huffington Post: Hilda Solis: Labor Secretary (December 18, 2008)CNN.com: Senate confirms labor nominee (February 24, 2009)

Solis is a Democrat from Los Angeles serving her fifth term in the House.FOXNews.com: Rep. Solis Tapped to be Labor Secretary, Sources Say (December 18, 2008) Solis represented the people of California's 32nd Congressional District. Congresswoman Solis has been recognized for her achievements in environmental conservation and health care reform and serves on a number of prestigious House committees.Official Site: Biography

February 5, 2008: USAToday revealed Solis' husband, Sam Sayyad, had approximately 15 tax liens totaling $6,400 on his business and was nearly 16 years behind in paying the debt to the state. Solis and Sayyad admit to not knowing about the liens, but Sayyad did pay the outstanding amount when informed by the newspaper.USAToday: Husband of Rep. Solis, Labor nominee... (February 5, 2009)

1. House Committee on Energy and Commerce
2. Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee
3. Health Subcommittee
4. Telecommunications Subcommittee
5. House Committee on Natural Resources
6. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
7. Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
8. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the Environment
9. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
10. Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group
11. Helsinki Commission's General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian QuestionsOfficial Site: Biography