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The Senate confirmed Martha Johnson as General Services Administration administrator on Thursday, nearly 10 months after her nomination to the post.

The conflict over Johnson's appointment compelled President Obama to speak up on her behalf. On Wednesday, at the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Issues Conference, he asked lawmakers not to hold her "hostage."

Johnson previously served in various posts at GSA, the Commerce Department and the Office of Presidential Personnel. She is the agency's first permanent administrator in nearly two years following the terms of Acting Administrators Paul Prouty and Stephen Leeds.