Democrat Laruen McFerran sworn in as new NLRB member, maintaining 3-2 Democratic majority

Democrat Lauren McFerran is the newest member of the five-member National Labor Relations Board.

She replaces Nancy J. Schiffer, also a Democrat, who served on the board since August 2013 and whose term expired Tuesday.

The turnover maintains the federal labor board's 3-2 Democratic majority control of the panel.

Previously, McFerran served as chief labor counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Board Chairman Mark Gaston Pearce welcomed McFerran, praising her for her "deep understanding of the board's work and the complexities of the National Labor Relations Act."

McFerran was confirmed earlier this month by a 54-40 vote in the Senate.