Rice to be named Secretary of State after Senate grilling

CONDOLEEZZA RICE was confirmed as US Secretary of State yesterday after undergoing torrid questioning by Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Democrats’ failed presidential candidate John Kerry and Barbara Boxer, her chief tormentor during the two-day hearing, were the only senators to vote against her appointment.

Pending approval by the full Senate, Ms Rice will be the first black woman to hold the job and will succeed Colin Powell.