New York State Labor Chief Is Confirmed to Federal Post

The vote came three days after Democrats mustered 60 votes to overcome Republican opposition to Ms. Smith, whom the Republicans accused of making misleading statements in her Congressional testimony.

Ms. Smith will serve as the department’s solicitor, its chief law enforcement official, who traditionally plays a crucial role overseeing wage-and-hour and job safety enforcement.

Ms. Smith is known for vigorous enforcement against minimum-wage and overtime violations in New York, and some Republican senators have voiced concern that she would be hostile to small business.

“She clearly has a deep and passionate commitment to helping American workers,” said Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democrat who leads the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. “Her expertise is needed now more than ever, particularly in this economy when American workers are struggling and deserve a strong advocate.”