(AP) - The Senate has confirmed Hillary Rodham Clintonto become secretary of state.

The Senate vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the former firstlady despite lingering concerns by some Republicans that herhusband's charitable fundraising overseas could pose a conflict ofinterest.

Republicans and Democrats alike say her swift confirmation wasnecessary so that President Barack Obama could begin tackling themajor foreign policy issues at hand, including two wars, increasedviolence in the Middle East and the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Immediately after the vote, Clinton was to be sworn in during aprivate ceremony at the Capitol.