Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Senate Dems Seek Vote On Surgeon General Nominee Before Year's End
Senate Democrats are trying to confirm before year’s end President Barack Obama ’s surgeon general nominee, a pick that appears to be gaining momentum after being stalled for months. Vivek Murthy, Mr. Obama’s choice for the public-health post, is the highest-profile of the few dozen nominees who could come up for a vote in the chamber if Senate Democrats and Republicans reach a procedural agreement this week. Even in the absence of a deal, Senate leaders might take steps to set up a separate vote on Dr. Murthy’s nomination, a Senate Democratic aide said. (Peterson, 12/8)
President Barack Obama’s troubled pick for surgeon general may get a Senate vote before the end of this year’s lame duck session — though it’s not clear if he can win confirmation. Vivek Murthy, who has drawn opposition for remarks drawing a link between gun violence and health, is likely to get a vote before Democrats hand control of the chamber to Republicans in January, a senior Senate Democratic aide said Monday evening. But winning confirmation is another matter. (Everett, 12/9)
