Sen. Barbara Mikulski is set to become the first woman chair of the prestigious Senate Appropriations Committee. The late Sen. Inouye had chaired the committee, which controls spending. There was some different reports concerning the chairmanship. They had earlier speculation that Sen. Leahy would take the chair. However, he wished to remain chair of the Judiciary committee. The Democrats are expected to vote Thursday to officially make Sen. Mikulski chairwoman.