WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday approved the nomination of Henry M. Paulson Jr. to be the country's next Treasury secretary.
The nomination was approved in a voice vote hours after Paulson, 60, won the endorsement of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the Treasury Department.
Paulson, a 32-year Wall Street veteran, is chairman and chief executive of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., a financial powerhouse.
Democrats and Republicans welcomed Paulson's nomination.
"I am convinced he is the right man at the right time," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) before Wednesday's vote.
Sen. Christopher S. Bond (R-Mo.) called Paulson a "very strong choice for Treasury secretary."
The White House has not announced plans for Paulson's swearing-in.
