Skip to Content

Press Releases

Alex Azar Confirmed by Senate as Next Secretary of Health and Human Services

Alex Azar Confirmed by Senate as Next Secretary of Health and Human Services

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after Alex Azar was confirmed by the Senate to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services:

“Alex Azar is more than qualified to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. President Trump made a strong choice in nominating him, and today the Senate confirmed his nomination with a vote of 55 to 43. His leadership experience in both government and the private sector gives him a unique perspective that will be an asset to the American people as we continue working to address the health challenges facing Americans today, whether it’s the opioid crisis that is destroying lives and communities or ensuring that Americans can access affordable and high-quality health care of their choice. I look forward to working with Azar to bring quality, affordable, and accessible health care to the American people.”

Background

In 2001, the Senate confirmed Azar by voice vote to serve as General Counsel at HHS.

In 2005, the Senate confirmed Azar by voice vote to serve as Deputy Secretary at HHS.

As Deputy Secretary, Azar was the chief operations officer for the largest civilian cabinet department in the U.S. government with over 66,000 employees and a budget of nearly $700 billion.

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.

###