President Obama’s choice to be the new Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services moved one step closer to that position with a Senate panel voting in favor of the nominee.
The Senate Finance Committee voted 21-3 May 21 to approve Sylvia Mathews Burwell as the new chief of HHS. She will replace Kathleen Sebelius, who has said she will step down when there is a new secretary in place.
"Ms. Burwell is highly qualified and well respected by Democrats and Republicans in government and in the private sector," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Finance Committee. "My view is that she will hit the ground running at the Department of Health & Human Services," he said.
Alicia Ault/Frontline Medical News
HHS Secretary-nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell
At a Finance Committee hearing May 14, Ms. Burwell promised to be responsive to Congress, particularly in addressing issues related to the Affordable Care Act. She also said she was eager to work on a replacement for Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate factor.
Ms. Burwell is currently the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said that at that earlier hearing, he found Ms. Burwell to be "forthright, and she was honest." He added, "I didn’t support the Affordable Care Act, but I believe with her in place, we’ll get answers to questions when they are asked, we’ll get accountability and honesty in the management of the department, and that’s a step in the right direction."
He said that he would vote for Ms. Burwell when the full Senate took up her nomination.
"I think we have a chance at having a really great administrator," said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) of Ms. Burwell. "I very much support her."
Three Republican committee members voted against the nomination: Pat Roberts (Kan.), John Cornyn (Texas), and John Thune (S.D.).
The full Senate likely will vote on her nomination soon, possibly before the Senate recesses for a week beginning May 23.
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