Rockefeller Statement on the Nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to Lead the Department of Health and Human Services

Statement

Senator Jay Rockefeller today released the following statement on President Obama's nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to become the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Burwell is a native of Hinton, West Virginia, and currently serves as the Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

"I am very glad President Obama nominated Sylvia Mathews Burwell to become the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

"I have known Sylvia her entire life, and I know she is the perfect choice for this particular job at this particular time.

"Serving as HHS Secretary will be a tough assignment. Despite the tremendous benefits that millions of Americans are starting to enjoy from health care reform, there are still many out there who want to see it fail. They have invested heavily in the destruction of the Affordable Care Act, and as such, they will look to stand in the way of the next HHS Secretary.

"But Sylvia Mathews Burwell will not be deterred, nor will she deviate from our Nation's moral calling of health care for all.

"Sylvia is a proven leader and a renowned public policy expert who has earned respect from both sides of the aisle. She is also whip smart, hard-working, and full of integrity. I know that she will be a stalwart champion for all Americans as we continue on a path towards improving health care for everyone. She will be a phenomenal Secretary of Health and Human Services. I look forward to supporting her nomination."

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