U.S. Sen. John Kerry announced on Wednesday that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which he is the incoming chair, will hold confirmation hearings for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to become secretary of state next Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Kerry, a Boston Democrat, also announced that the committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Susan Rice to become United Nations ambassador on Thursday, Jan. 15.

"When President-Elect Obama announced his nominations of Sen. Clinton and Susan Rice for the positions of Secretary of State and Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, I said he's chosen an extremely talented team to help rebuild our alliances and advance our agenda in the world," said Kerry. 

 "My friend and colleague Hillary Clinton will bring her years of experience and acute intellect to her position as America's top diplomat," Kerry added. "Susan Rice's expertise in foreign policy and commitment to strong alliances will be invaluable as she helps the President-Elect restore America's rightful role in the international arena."