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It's Official: Xavier Becerra Becomes First Latino To Lead Health And Human Services
Xavier Becerra puts on a face mask upon the conclusion of the Senate Finance Committee hearing on his nomination to be secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, February 24, 2021. (Photo by MICHAEL REYNOLDS/POOL/AFP)
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It's official: former California Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, will be the country's first Latino Health and Human Services secretary. He was finally confirmed today.
The final senate vote happened this morning. The tally? 50 yays, 49 nays.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican to vote for Becerra... and Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii did not vote.
Becerra was a Democratic congressman before becoming California's Attorney General. And according to NPR, he faced significant GOP opposition ever since he was nominated:
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As attorney general, he sued the Trump administration dozens of times over health care, the environment and other issues. His critics targeted his support of abortion rights and argued his lack of a health care background makes him an unqualified nominee.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Becerra's nomination was intentionally stalled by Republicans in Congress "should not have taken this long," NPR reported.
Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom will need to pick Becerra's replacement as California's AG.
Newsom hasn't indicated who he'll choose, but word has it top candidates include Burbank democratic congressman Adam Schiff and Oakland state assemblymember Rob Bonta.
MORE BACKGROUND ON BECERRA AND CA POLITICS:
Who Will Gov. Newsom Pick For The Next California Attorney General? Here's A Look At Top Contenders
LA's Alex Padilla Appointed US Senator. First Latino To Represent California In Senate
Becerra Nominated To Lead HHS, And Newsom’s Power To Fill Big Jobs Grows
- Biden Reportedly Picks CA Attorney General Xavier Becerra As Secretary Of Health And Human Services
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