Bernanke reconfirmed as head of Federal Reserve

The U.S. Senate voted 70 to 30 onThursday to confirm Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke for a second four-year term.

Bernanke came under criticism from both Republicans and Democrats,who said he failed to respond fast enough to the financial crisis and forWall Street bailouts.

He was alsocriticized for not doing something to stopbonuses paid to bank executives even as unemployment climbed into double digits.

His supporters argue that Bernanke came to the financial industry's rescue in time to prevent a catastrophic collapse.

The vote was the closest ever for a nominee for Federal Reservechairman. The Senate has never rejected a candidate for head of the central bank.Bernanke's current term expires on Sunday.