Two influential Senate Republicans — John McCain of Arizona and Richard Burr of North Carolina — have expressed support for Sylvia Mathews Burwell, according to a report from The Washington Post.
Ms. Burwell, currently director of the Office of Management and Budget, is the Obama administration's pick to replace Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary. During a confirmation hearing conducted by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee yesterday, Mr. McCain introduced her warmly to the committee, and Mr. Burr said he would vote in favor of her during her next confirmation hearing with the Senate Finance Committee. It seems likely that she will be confirmed, according to the report.
During yesterday's hearing, Ms. Burwell called the technical problems that plagued the federal exchange site, HealthCare.gov, following its launch "unacceptable" and said repairing any remaining issues would be a top priority for her as the head of HHS, according to the report.
Ms. Burwell needs 51 votes to be confirmed. The Senate Finance Committee (which will vote on sending her nomination to the Senate floor) has yet to schedule its confirmation hearing.
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