By Karin Rives
HHS Secretary |
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, 60, was sworn in as the nation’s new health secretary April 28 after the U.S. Senate voted 65 to 31 to confirm her nomination. As head of the sprawling Department of Health and Human Services, she will become immersed in efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system while tackling the immediate health issues of the day, such as the recent outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Sebelius’ confirmation was slowed by criticism from some Republicans over donations she received from a doctor who performs abortions, but she retained the support of several influential Republican leaders during the confirmation hearings.
President Barack Obama said when nominating Sebelius for the post that her track record as a two-term Democratic governor in a Republican state shows that she can marshal the kind of bi-partisan support needed to push through universal healthcare in a tough economy.
For more information about Secretary Sebelius’ views on prescription drug access issues, read the recent Monitor story on new policies and priorities expected from the HHS leadership.