The Senate Committee on Finance last week voted along party lines to advance the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services (HHS).
Under the Senate’s power-sharing agreement, the 14–14 committee vote gave Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) the discretion to move the nomination to the Senate floor; a floor vote is expected as early as this week.
With a 50–50 party split in the Senate, Democrats must remain united and rely on Vice President Kamala Harris’ vote to confirm Becerra.
Congressional Hearings on COVID-19
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a March 9 hearing to receive updates from the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies has scheduled a March 11 hearing to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use.
Virtual Spring Policy Assembly
Join America’s Essential Hospitals at our virtual Spring Policy Assembly, March 16, to discuss key legislative issues and remind congressional lawmakers about the vital role essential hospitals play in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Registration is free for staff of America’s Essential Hospitals member hospitals and health systems.
