The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was supposed to vote on Hilda Solis, President Obama's nominee for Labor Secretary, on Thursday. However, that vote was delayed -- just after USA Today reported that Solis' husband had paid about $6,400 to settle tax liens that had been outstanding for as long as 16 years against his auto business.
Republicans had already stalled Solis' nomination over her refusal to answer questions on the Employee Free Choice Act.
In its announcement Thursday afternoon, the Senate committee said only that it more time to review some fresh documents related to the Solis nomination.
"Today's executive session was postponed to allow members additional time to review the documentation submitted in support of Rep. Solis' nomination to serve in the important position of labor secretary," said Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Michael Enzi (D-WY) said in a statement.
As for her husband's tax issues, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said at a briefing: "I read the story in USA TODAY and it quotes somebody who works here. Obviously we know about the story. We reviewed her tax returns and her tax returns are in order. Her husband had an issue."
"She's not a partner in that business," Gibbs added. "We're not going to penalize her for her husband's business mistakes."