Sebelius Confirmed as HHS Head

WASHINGTON–The Senate has confirmed Kansas Gov. Kathleen
Sebelius as secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services.

Although Republicans expressed concern over her pro-abortion
stances and tax issues, Sebelius won confirmation for the
nation’s top health care post in a 65-31 vote yesterday. The
last of the Cabinet nominees awaiting confirmation, Sebelius was
sworn in shortly thereafter in a ceremony with President
Obama.

Sebelius’ immediate task will be leading the federal response
to the swine flu outbreak. With no HHS secretary in place, the
White House had called on Homeland Security Secretary Janet
Napolitano to help with the effort.

But Sebelius will also head an overhaul of the nation’s $2.5
trillion health care system. And in testimony to the Senate Finance
Committee, Sebelius has said she would review Medicare’s
DEMPOS competitive bidding program before it is implemented.

Sebelius replaces acting HHS Secretary Charles Johnson, who has
been in the post since Mike Leavitt, a former three-term Utah
governor, left in the waning days of the Bush administration.