Senate confirms pro-life HHS chief

WASHINGTON—The Senate confirmed Alex Azar Wednesday to lead the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department. Azar, a former pharmaceutical executive, secured confirmation on a 55-43 vote. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the lone Republican to vote against Azar, while six Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine voted yes. The new HHS secretary fills a void at the department after Tom Price resigned in September amid a scandal involving his use of an expensive private jet for government business. Azar has broad support from pro-life groups. “We are confident that he has the experience and enthusiasm to lead the way in implementing President Trump’s pro-life priorities,” Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. A group of Democrats, led by Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, campaigned against Azar’s confirmation citing concerns about his history in the pharmaceutical sales industry and his pro-life views. Murray asked Azar to respond to a draft HHS strategic plan from October that pledged to define life from the moment of conception. “The mission of HHS is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, and this includes the unborn,” Azar wrote. Azar previously worked at HHS during the George W. Bush administration, serving as general counsel from 2001 to 2005 and as deputy HHS secretary until Feb. 2007.