Janet Yellen nomination to head Fed clears US Senate procedural hurdle

Janet Yellen, an unwavering advocate of the Federal Reserve's aggressive steps to boost the US economy, on Friday took a big step towards becoming the first woman to head the central bank as her nomination cleared a Senate Republican procedural hurdle.

On a vote of 59-34, the Senate agreed to end debate on President Barack Obama's nomination of Ms Yellen.

A vote to confirm her is set for January 6.

If approved, as widely expected, she would succeed Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke after his term expires on January 31.

Ms Yellen is currently the central bank's vice chair.

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