Headline RoundupMarch 18th, 2021

California AG Xavier Becerra Confirmed as Biden's Health Secretary

Summary from the AllSides News Team

The Senate voted 50-49 Thursday to confirm California attorney general Xavier Becerra as head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the only Republican to vote in favor. Becerra's nomination by President Joe Biden was politically controversial, as many Republicans took issue with his stances on religious liberty and abortion. Democrats voiced concern during the confirmation process that delaying Becerra's confirmation could hinder pandemic recovery. Outlets on all sides, especially the right, focused on the near-party line vote. Some reports from left- and center-rated outlets highlighted the fact that Becerra is the first Latino to lead HHS.

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