Sebelius Confirmed To Health & Human Services, With Specter's Support
It's been a day for changing titles. Former Kansas governor was confirmed earlier this evening to be President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was 65-31. Among the 65 was former Republican Arlen Specter (D-PA). We'll post the Roll Call when it comes down the pipe.
Interestingly, Specter also voted in support of an major piece of anti-fraud legislation earlier today, and, in that roll call, the Senate website still lists him as a Republican. Amateurs.
Anyhow, NARAL/Pro-Choice America has been pushing hard for Sebelius' confirmation, and the group's president, Nancy Keenan, had this to say:
We applaud the Senate's vote to confirm the eminently-qualified Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve in this critical position. 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.
Late update: Roll call here. He's still listed as a Republican. Somebody should call the clerk!




















YAHHHHHHHHHH! I still wonder why they choose to delay the inevitable.
April 28, 2009 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Geez, nothing but good news on politics today.
Now on to Koh and Johnsen...
April 28, 2009 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
The AP first release of this Sebelius confirmation vote listed the GOP's opposition to her "pro-abortion" stance.
What morons. Who the hell is PRO-ABORTION?
The press just reprints whatever damn crap Republicans shout out at them.
She is PRO-CHOICE but I am sure she does not want to see ANY ABORTIONS!!
April 28, 2009 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL! Thanks for that!
April 28, 2009 8:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's pretty telling that Brownback, a pro-life Catholic, voted for this nomination.
I wonder if the anti-abortion fanatics are going to call for Brownback to stop receiving communion or seek other punishment. Most likely, he's going to get a pass simply because he has an (R) next to his name.
April 28, 2009 8:46 PM | Reply | Permalink