Durbin: Republican Objections to Becerra Nomination Must End
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) slammed Republican obstruction of the nomination of Xavier Becerra to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Becerra’s nomination was announced three months ago and is still being blocked by Senate Republicans despite a majority of Senators supporting his nomination. Durbin said that delaying Becerra’s confirmation only hurts the United States as we try to beat the pandemic, get more Americans vaccinated, schools reopened, and people back to work.
“Their campaign to leave the top public health position in this nation empty in the midst of a pandemic is unwise. It has to come to an end,” Durbin said. “How can defending public health rules disqualify a person who wants to be the America's top public health official? We are in the midst of a lethal pandemic that has claimed nearly 530,000 American lives. More people infected and dying every day. Is this any time to play politics with the Department of Health and Human Services? I don't think so.”
Durbin continued, “In his confirmation hearing, Mr. Becerra highlighted his commitment to serve all Americans by expanding access to health insurance, lowering prescription drug prices, improving rural health care, and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in care. Would you expect anything less from a man who wants to lead our public health effort?”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
-30-