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Health Secretary Sebelius Confirmed By Senate

(CBS)
President Obama has his final Cabinet pick: The Senate has confirmed Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as Health And Human Services secretary.

Sebelius does not have time to ease into the job, as she now becomes the administration's point person in dealing with the swine flu outbreak. The HHS secretary will also spearhead the administration's effort to reform health care, one of the president's primary goals.

The Associated Press reports that the 65-31 vote came as Democrats pushed for the confirmation as soon as possible so that Sebelius could get to work addressing swine flu.

Some Republicans objected to Sebelius' nomination because she is pro-choice and because of how they expect her to overhaul health care. She only received five more votes than the 60 needed for confirmation.

President Obama's first pick for the post, Former Sen. Tom Daschle, withdrew amidst controversy concerning his taxes.

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