Sebelius confirmed as health chief
The US Senate this afternoon confirmed Kathleen Sebelius as health and human services secretary, completing President Obama's cabinet, after Democrats pointed to the swine flu crisis as showing the need for action.
She flew immediately to Washington and was quickly sworn in. Obama's remarks are below.
The 65-31 vote followed hours of debate on the Kansas governor's nomination, which had been held up by Republicans over concerns by her record on abortion, her views on a healthcare overhaul, and unpaid taxes.
Nine Republicans joined the Democratic majority in pushing Sebelius over the 60 votes she needed. They included Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire.
Her backers said that her confirmation was essential now to help coordinate the government's response to the swine flu outbreak, which has been led so far by Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who is helping lead the charge for a healthcare overhaul, said Sebelius's confirmation would jump-start the work. She is expected to play a key role, though not as extensive as Obama's first nominee for the job, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who was also supposed to be head of the White House office of healthcare reform before he withdrew over unpaid taxes.
“With the confirmation of Governor Sebelius, the commitment of the Administration and Congress to passing health care reform this year now moves into high gear," Kennedy said in a statement.
“In his first 100 days in office, President Obama has taken large steps toward putting America back on track. His leadership has produced a strong new investment in education, established the principles needed to guide the United States into a more energy efficient world, and made opportunities for national and community service far more available to all Americans. In the next 100 days, I’m confident that President Obama will have us well on the way to the landmark enactment of quality, affordable health care as a right for all Americans.”
Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, added his plaudits.
“Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is a wise choice to guide the President on shaping healthcare reform," he said in a statement. "Sebelius combines the vital combination of skills that it will take to accomplish this challenging job: Toughness and an intimate understanding of the healthcare challenges that face our nation during these tough economic times.
“We applaud the Finance committee’s endorsement of Sebelius and are pleased that the Senate as a whole quickly followed its lead. Clearly, achieving meaningful healthcare reform will be difficult, making it imperative for Sebelius to be confirmed in a timely manner," Tauzin added. "“It’s equally important for Congress to act rapidly to put a full-time Commissioner in place to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers count on the FDA to help assure the safety of a myriad of products – including the life-saving anti-virals contained within the Strategic National Stockpile, which could be deployed in the event of an influenza pandemic."
"Today's confirmation of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is a tremendous step forward in the effort to address comprehensive health care reform and in turn put our economy back on track," John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement.
"Gov. Sebelius is highly qualified and throughout her career, she has shown a unique ability to work with members of both parties to find solutions to pressing problems. As Governor and former health insurance commissioner of Kansas, she is a proven fighter for the rights of patients and consumers. We look forward to working with Secretary Sebelius for real solutions to the problems of working families who deserve quality and affordable health care."
Marcia Greenberger, co-president of the National Women's Law Center, applauded the Sebelius's confirmation.
“Governor Sebelius has a strong record on protecting women’s legal rights, child care and early education, and healthcare," Greenberger said in a statement. "Her stellar career and track record provide reassurance to the American public that she is highly qualified to lead HHS, and that she will make meeting the needs of women and children a priority of the Department. As health care reform moves forward, the country now has a strong HHS Secretary who understands the needs of women and their families, and can bring the particular barriers faced by women to the table."
Anti-abortion groups had marshalled their resources to oppose Sebelius, a Catholic who personally opposes abortion but who vetoed a series of abortion restrictions as governor.
Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, commended the Senate vote.
“We applaud the Senate’s vote to confirm the eminently-qualified Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve in this critical position,” Keenan said in a statement. “Anti-choice advocates tried every desperate trick in the book to derail her confirmation, but this vote shows that a majority of senators understand that Americans are tired of the antagonistic politics of the past. As our country faces challenges on a number of fronts, especially on the issue of affordable health care, we look forward to ensuring that women’s health and sound science are a priority, rather than the failed political maneuvering that damaged this agency during the previous Bush administration.”
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, added in a statement:
“We applaud Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ confirmation as secretary of health and human services. She is an excellent choice to lead HHS and has a proven track record of increasing access to affordable care. As countless women and their families struggle to afford quality health care during these difficult economic times, the need for health care reform that improves health outcomes is immediate. Her ability to work in a bipartisan fashion will serve her well as the Obama administration and Congress tackle the critical issue of health care reform for American families. We look forward to working with her and the administration to expand access to care and lower health care costs.”
While they lost this fight, anti-abortion activists said it had energized their supporters.
“Despite the results of tonight’s vote, we’re finding that more and more Americans are waking up to the danger of President Obama’s nominations of extreme abortion advocates to serve in his administration,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of th Susan B. Anthony List, said in a statement.
“The high profile Sebelius confirmation battle has generated new interest and brought thousands of new activists on board for the pro-life cause. This grassroots energy will only increase our momentum as we confront the next round of President Obama’s extreme pro-abortion nominees, beginning with former NARAL Legal Director Dawn Johnsen. We expect all pro-life Senators will oppose Dawn Johnsen’s nomination for Office of Legal Counsel, and their support will be critical to keeping her extreme abortion views out of the White House.”
THE PRESIDENT: Congratulations, Madam Secretary.
SECETARY SEBELIUS: Thank you, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Here we go. We're just going to make a brief statement. I am thrilled to have Kathleen Sebelius as my new Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Obviously, we have a lot to do to make sure that health care is affordable for the American people, to deal with critical issues like food safety. But we wanted to swear her in right away because we've got a significant public health challenge that requires her immediate attention, and that is the H1N1 flu outbreak that we've seen initially in Mexico and we now see over at -- got some cases here in the United States.
It is something that we have to monitor very carefully. The officials who have been in charge, including the Acting Director at the CDC, those at Department of Homeland Security, have done an outstanding job, a superb job, in managing the situation up to this point.
But we need all hands on deck, and so I am thrilled that we have Secretary Sebelius taking the reins. She is going to be immediately briefed on the issues that we're working on right now. I expect her to hit the ground running, and I have every confidence that given her experience as a governor who's managed crises before, who's worked on public health issues since she's been in public life, she is the right person at the right time for the job.
So congratulations. We are thrilled, and you are going to do a great job.
SECRETARY SEBELIUS: Thank you. Honored to serve.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
All right, thanks, guys.
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"Never waste a crisis" Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff, shouts into the ear of Harry Reid who obliges on cue.
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FORCES AGENDA THROUGH BY SHOVELING FEAR TACTICS DOWN THE THROATS OF AMERICANS AND THIS IS JUST ANOTHER CASE OF WE NEED KATHLEEN NOW BECAUSE OF THE SWINE FLU.
SHE SUPPORTS ABORTIONS AND SHE WANTS TO JOIN THE OBAMANATION!
The Dems are just trying to use the swine flu issue to hurry through Sebelius's confirmation. "Never let a good crisis go to waste." It will take weeks for her to get up to speed and really accomplish anything. What a joke. Just like rushing through Geithner's (The Tax-Cheat) confirmation.
Everything is a crisis with this administration. Every crisis is an opportunity to advance their radical agenda without debate, consideration or contemplation.
The Kansas governor is a radical abortion supporter. That is all and that is why the Obama administration wants her in power. She knows nothing about the swine flu or any other health matter. Saying her appointment is necessary to combat the swine flu epidemic is preposterous.
THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES APPARATUS IN FULL SWING. THE ONE THING THE NEW YORK TIMES CARES ABOUT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS PUSHING ABORTION. MORE THAN IT CARES ABOUT REPORTING THE NEWS. MORE THAN IT CARES ABOUT NEW YORK, NOT TO MENTION AMERICA WHICH IT DOES NOT REALLY CARE ABOUT. MORE THAN IT EVEN CARES FOR ISRAEL, ONE OF ITS OTHER PET CAUSES. ABORTION. IT IS THE NUMBER ONE GOAL OF THE NEW YORK TIMES, HILLARY CLINTON, AND NOW APPARENTLY THE BOSTON GLOBE. THAT'S WHY YOU ARE NEAR BANKRUPTCY - YOU ARE MORALLY BANKRUPT ALREADY.
Why put a person who supports killing babies in charge of health. The Dems are just using the Swine Flu to get their own way. How can a President who claims to be a Christian support someone who allowed a Dr. to KILL full term babies.
It makes me sick and I hang my head in sorrow and disgust. America as a society is doomed.
im all for abortions especially, republican ones.
"Napolitano, interviewed on NBC, said officials "anticipate confirmed cases in more states." She reiterated Obama's statement that the spread of the disease is a cause for concern but not alarm."
"Democrats dropped efforts to include anti-pandemic funding in last winter's economic stimulus bill as they maneuvered for key votes in the Senate."
If the above quotes from a related article are true, how can there be any real urgency to Sebelius's appointment? Or is this just an attempt to steamroller another inappropriate appointment? The position demands a person of unquestionable ability and integrity. Let's take the time to do it right.
Just like bush did for IRAQ!?!?!?!?!?!?
Sebelius would not have a clue how to manage the "swine flu" outbreak. She can't even manage the affairs of the state of kansas, which has the enormous population of approximately 2 million, mostly illegal immigrants from her favorite country of mexico.
"Never waste a crisis." Indeed. There have been far too many very important policy decisions made without proper review that have been justified by some pressing and life-threatening issue since Mr. Obama took over.
Honestly, from passing a stimulos bill that wasn't read to bailouts that aren't transparent to, now, the very important post at Health, this is not good. It isn't good for the country, it isnt good for the world. We are acting like a bunch of easily manipulated children.
Oh right, and GW never used a crisis to get his way? You republicans are such hypocrites. She supports abortion? GOOD. She's a woman that doesn't hate woman, then.
Who cares if she's for abortions? If my daughter was raped, I'd want her to have that option too. Unless you would prefer your child have a stranger's baby...
relax kids
"Never let a good crisis go to waste."
That sounds right out of the republican playbook.
With the Honorable Senator Arlen Spector and the win in Minnesota going to the Democrats' column, I think the right wing Republicans should understand it is Obama's showtime !
rush? The reps have been filibustering her confirmation for weeks. What rush? The reps need to stop playing games and think of the good of the country for at least a second. Grow up!
"It will take weeks for her to get up to speed". So this is a reason NOT to confirm her asap?? I'm sorry but I don't get the logic here. That is precisely the reason it is way past time for the Congress to stop their pointless obstructionism and dithering and confirm the Health and Human Services Secretary. She was nominated over a month ago.
Sebelius is an excellent choice.
I enjoy watching the republicans cry. I have to admit it =)
The party along with it's outdated ideology is dead dead dead! Now we even have a majority in senate to avoid filibusters.
Cry more ;)
Push her through. You won't find enough human rights or pro-life votes to oppose her. Tax cheat? No biggie! With All the dems plus arlen spectator, congress can do whatever it wants.
"FORCES AGENDA THROUGH BY SHOVELING FEAR TACTICS DOWN THE THROATS OF AMERICANS ", wait a minute, is Bush still in office?
She supports abortion? Clearly then, she's not qualified for the position. Except that last time I checked, abortion was legal.
Because the Republicans never used 9-11 to push their policies? Right... Perhaps you clowns should realize that both parties are jokes, and take up serious policy debate and citizen involvement instead of partisan witch hunts.
I'll take this kind of thing seriously when I see the Republicans uphold superior ethical standards. Until that time, perhaps you people should set an example by being a bit more even handed.
. I won't be surprised if the abortion litmus test is applied to appointments in, say, the DOD or the Bureau of Standards, or maybe NASA.
I don't know who prevented better hurricane preparedness in Lousiana, but we saw what happened when Katrina hit. (I'll admit I have my suspicions, fully expecting them to be confirmed by research.)
The Republicans attacked funding for volcano monitoring. Before monitoring, an airliner flying over Alaska lost all four engines from volcanic ash. Fortunately, montoring was in place for the eruption in March.
Let's hope that the hundreds of millions for flu pandemic preparation that the Republicans stripped off the stimulus bill won't turn out to have been needed. I don't think it's likely, but it's possible. (Perhaps this is too soon anyway.)
FACE IT PEOPLE, THE GOOD OLD USA IS SICK AND TIRED OF THE PARTY OF INTOLERANCE,IGNORANCE AND HATE! AND,BY THE WAY, WELCOME TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ARLEN SPECTER! WERE HAPPY TO HAVE A MAN OF INTELLECT,INTEGRITY AND PRINCIPLES!
HATS OFF TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ONCE AGAIN! - they are monitoring it closely and are on the ball. If his adminstration wasn't paying attention and addressing this issue the way they are then the complaint would be that they were ignoring something that is so important.
NO ADMINISTRATION IS PERFECT AND THIS ONE SEEMS TO BE ON ITS WAY TO EXCELLENCE.
The Republican's are only holding up Sebelius' nom because they're still unhappy about losing the election. So if the Dems use a play out of the Republican play book to close the chapter on this ridiculous behavior by the Repubs, then so be it. Sebelius is an intelligent, capable woman, and if Obama has chosen her to lead HHS, let her get on with it. Quit yelling and screaming about her nomination and let's focus on more important issues at hand, please.
The Republican's are only holding up Sebelius' nom because they're still unhappy about losing the election. So if the Dems use a play out of the Republican play book to close the chapter on this ridiculous behavior by the Repubs, then so be it. Sebelius is an intelligent, capable woman, and if Obama has chosen her to lead HHS, let her get on with it. Quit yelling and screaming about her nomination and let's focus on more important issues at hand, please.
Thank you, paid posters. Sebelius is qualified to lead the Health and Human Services Department, and should be confirmed. This is nothing but obstruction on the part of Republican politicians. Please don't embarrass yourself or try deceiving other readers here, attempting to divert all attention away from the failures of the leadership of the Republican party.
Bush/Cheney spent 8 years corrupting the political appointment process. History tells us that good leaders would choose people who are willing to speak truth to power (as is clearly evident in Obama's choice Sebelius), while Bush/Cheney wanted nothing more than a clone-army of "yes men" throughout the government who would never speak their own mind, and simply parroted every command and desire of their bosses.
Please paid posters - show a little respect for yourself. Stop whoring your words for any price. Go find a real job. You'll feel better about yourself in the morning.
And let's not forget Republicans removed
It is my hope (and yes, my prayer) that anyone left out there with a brain can see where we are going in this country. It is very evident that we will never see term limits and morality in congress again if we wait on congress to correct it. When you go to the polls in November we can make a difference, vote the incumbent out regardless of the party and then maybe we can start to come back to some kind of morality instead of relying on politicians to make all our decisions. This is really a joke to say the people are being represented. I for one do not believe the majority of Americans are being represented now.
Wow... such hypocrisy from the conservatives in the audience! The WMD "crisis" rushed us into a poorly thought out, costly war and fear mongering was a chief tactic of the Bush administration getting it's way. The "We have to attack them over there so they don't follow us here" rhetoric. Come on, guys... the Bushies were significantly more guilty of this than the current administration has been thus far.
So, the right wing argument is that it would "take weeks" for Sebelius to come up to speed and Obama is using the swine flu as a tactic in order to "never waste a crisis" . This reasoning , like the bible, works for everything: health care crises, global warming, the economy. As the cases and deaths due to swine flu mount they would have us wait for the rapture. Pity it isn't a faith based virus.
I hate to say this, but you could put every US politician into a sack, shake it up, and none would be smart enough to figure out how to get out. The only thing any and all politicians, MONEY MANAGERS and "BIG BUSINESS" officers in America know is how to STEAL the taxpayers' money, and the sad thing is the people let them get away with this every day. Obama or NONE of his selected thieves care about the American public. Their ONLY concern is how to FATTEN their wallets, just like the republicans have always done. America does not have a 2 party system any more. Both parties are only in it for the money, and believe me, they have joined forces.
Go ahead Dems push too far and the producers of this country will go on a national strike, and you won't collect one damn red cent in taxes or fees.
I'm really tired of tired preconceptions of party politics being the only basis on which any issue is judged whatsoever. Both sides of the issue are for the most part being exceptionally dense.
I can see the ad for the Republican nominee: "Must be against abortion. Should also be a high school graduate, although that is negotiable."
This isn't the only time that Republicans have been obstructionists. Actually, that is too polite a word. Try "derelict", as in "derelict of duty". They obstructed the process for ending the Iraq War; they obstructed the process for investigation into 9-11 and they continue to obstruct the process of investigating the Bush Administration and the use of torture techniques.
It is truly amazing that you have people disagreeing with the Governor's abortion stance, but yet support the idea of this Cabinet post going unfilled during this crisis. You're okay with this? If you are, then you are illogical because people are going to die because this huge organization doesn't have the leader it needs NOW!
While driving home from a graveyard shift down a dark farm-to-market road a doe jumped out onto the road. I swerved to avoid a head-on collision, but my tires caught gravel and I rolled into a ditch. I woke sometime later with blood dripping down my face and my body tied into the seat by the seat belt that managed to cut through my jeans and into some flesh. A light was shining in my face and someone was yelling,
"I'm here to help mister - I've already called 911!"
"Wait, wait", I yelled back, "Do you support abortion?"
God, please save me from your stone-casting followers. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray; Amen.
Since epidemic preparedness and abortion rights are seriously needed in our plan for national health, Obama's choice of Gov Sebelius to lead HHS is a good choice. We must remember that not all Republicans are incompetent to lead, given proper supervision.
To all Republicans- will the last one who leaves the party please turn out the lights.
Thank you,
Earth
What has Sebelius done to qualify her for this position? What is her background? And is she another tax cheat?
I find it amazing that US citizens who pay taxes aren't up in arms over the number of tax cheats Obama has appointed. If you neglect to pay your taxes...you cheated. There is no excuse for breaking the law the way many on Obama's team have done.
The
Lyn
Like I keep saying.... WORST PRESIDENT EVER
So 31 Senators put their narrow, bigoted religious views ahead of the good of America and voted against the confirmation of a qualified Kansas governor to an important job during a time of national crisis. Every one of those America-hating Senators should be impeached tomorrow.
"Like I keep saying.... WORST PRESIDENT EVER"
You have to keep saying it because no one believes an idiot.
Please submit a report comparing the current president to, say, James Buchanan. Prove something more significant than your ability to hit the caps lock button.
Congradulations, Kathleen Sebelius! You are smart, talented, and with strong management skills for the HHS. You and our new President believe that the HHS is a critical success factor where strong science competency driven by the federal government, industry, and non-profit services drives the greatest medical science machine in the world and drives the greatest biotechnology and bio-sciences research efforts in the world. The last 8 years was a major set back with the "no-nothing" fanatical religious faction melding church and state across climate change and environmental protection policy, healthcare and women's reproductive healthcare choices, and even in pure research in disease discovery limiting stem cell research. We are now on track and in the 21stt century. Bravo!
The secretary may have a good record on protecting woman's rights but this is about health for all Americans. Well, maybe she and the president will decide it's time for free health care for certain Americans. There is no such thing as a free lunch and universal health care will not be the answer to the problem either.