Senate confirms Becerra in tight vote with just one GOP defection

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The Senate on Thursday narrowly confirmed Xavier Becerra as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services by a 50-49 vote.

Republicans were nearly unanimous in their opposition to Becerra, the current attorney general of California. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the only Republican to vote in favor of his confirmation. 

Collins previously cited Becerra’s commitment to rural health care, and a shared goal of lowering drug prices among her reasons for supporting him. Continue reading.

Biden unveils health team with Becerra, Murthy, Walensky in top roles

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President-elect Joe Biden officially unveiled his health team early Monday, naming California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) as secretary of Health and Human Services.

Vivek Murthy was selected to return to his role as surgeon general, and Rochelle Walensky was picked as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden also announced that Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious diseases expert, will remain as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Continue reading.