Republican Wavering Not Expected To Hinder Confirmation Of Sebelius As HHS Secretary

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 28 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' (D) confirmation as HHS secretary remains likely, despite wavering support from one of her home-state conservative senators, Sam Brownback (R), CQ Today reports. Brownback has said throughout the confirmation process that he plans to vote for Sebelius, but he indicated late last week that he might reconsider because of her veto of a Kansas antiabortion-rights bill (S.B. 218). Regardless of Brownback's vote, support for Sebelius from Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) -- in addition to the Senate's 56 Democrats and two independents -- should secure the 60 votes needed for confirmation, according to CQ Today. Under an agreement between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Republicans, Sebelius' confirmation will require 60 votes, rather than the simple majority typically required for nominees. The vote is scheduled to take place this week. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) also have said they are still deciding how to vote, CQ Today reports. A Murkowski spokesperson said the senator's doubts are related to Sebelius' positions on the Indian Health Service (Wayne/Armstrong, CQ Today, 4/24).

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