Dive Brief:
- As expected, President Obama has nominated Sylvia Burwell, current director of the Office of Management and Budget, to replace HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
- Burwell is a politically-friendly choice and is likely to receive Senate confirmation.
- According to President Obama, "Sylvia knows her way around a budget," and will bring a reputation as "a proven manager and relentless implementer" to her new role.
Dive Insight:
Unlike her predecessor, Burwell has bipartisaned support, and her Senate confirmation seems fairly certain. A year ago, the Senate voted by a 96-0 margin to confirm Burwell as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Prominent Republican Senator John McCain has already offered his endoresment:
Sylvia Burwell is an excellent choice to be the next #HHS Secretary
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) April 11, 2014