The Senate backed President Barack Obama's pick of Pritzker by a sweeping vote of 97-1.

　　"I am pleased the Senate took bipartisan action to confirm Penny Pritzker as our next Commerce Secretary. Penny is a proven leader, a successful entrepreneur, and one of the most accomplished and highly-respected women in business today," Obama said in a statement after the Senate confirmation.

　　"She knows what it takes to build companies from the ground up, and she shares my belief in doing everything we can to help businesses and workers succeed and make America a magnet for good jobs. Penny will be a key member of my economic team as we continue to work to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class," Obama said.

　　In May, Obama nominated Chicago businesswoman Pritzker as the next Commerce Secretary. Pritzker is a long-time supporter of Obama and one of his most valuable fundraisers.