Local Congresswoman, Hilda Solis, Now Secretary of Labor

Vice President Joe Biden officiates this morning at the ceremonial oath-of-office event (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Even though she was confirmed by both the Senate and House a few weeks ago, Hilda Solis this morning officially became the Secretary of Labor after she was sworn in, taking the oath-of-office.

"Things like fairness in the workplace and workplace safety are not just idle phrases that are to be debated in Hilda's mind; they're real," Vice President Joe Biden said. "They affect real live people. They're real concerns that people face every single day. She knows that a job is more than about a paycheck. ... A job is about dignity. A job is about respect. Hilda understands that."

Her seat in congress has been vacated since February 25th, opening it up for another big political race. Constituents of her district needing help on issues can still contact staff, who are still working under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives.