Gov. Raimondo Senate Confirmation Expected Tuesday

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island could officially have a new governor as soon as Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on current Gov. Gina Raimondo's nomination as Commerce Secretary, meaning Lt. Gov. Dan McKee would complete his transition to the state's top job.

Senators are scheduled to vote on Raimondo's nomination at 2:15 p.m. The vote comes after Monday night's session, when senators voted favor of invoking cloture, which sets a time limit on when a vote can happen.

"The ayes have it 84-15: This was a strong, bipartisan vote of confidence in Gov. Raimondo to lead Commerce Dept," Sen. Jack Reed tweeted after the vote. "It sets up final confirmation vote tomorrow, paving the way for her to be sworn in as the next Secretary of Commerce. Congrats soon to be Madame Secretary!"

Raimondo's nomination, announced Jan. 8, has been stalled since early February when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz placed a hold on it. He and other senators are expected to speak ahead of the confirmation vote.