Senate Confirms Dr. Regina Benjamin As U.S. Surgeon General

[cal04]

Source: Jamie Burch

Reaction from Senator Jeff Sessions

“I’m delighted that the Senate voted unanimously to approve Regina Benjamin—one of Alabama’s most dedicated and civic-minded medical professionals—to be ‘America’s Doctor.’ Dr. Benjamin has an extensive resume, including her time as an Associate Dean for Rural Health at the University of South Alabama, and her service as a Chair of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama—the first black woman to hold that position. But equally impressive is her resolute spirit, compassion, and commitment to her community, which was so evident in her care for patients after Hurricane Katrina. The American people will undoubtedly benefit from her knowledge and unwavering dedication to improving the public’s health and wellness.

I applaud President Obama for his nomination of Dr. Benjamin, and I greatly appreciate the work of Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Leader, for making this vote possible tonight. This is indeed a proud day for the people of Alabama.”


Dr. Regina Benjamin was confirmed by unanimous consent as the next U.S. Surgeon General. In announcing the confirmation, Senator Harry Reid said "we've waited far too long."

Senate Confirms Surgeon General
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/senate-confirms-surgeon-general/

Read more: http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/dr.-regina-benjamin-confirmation-vote-tonight/492082/Oct-29-2009_7-21-pm/

[Sebastian Doyle]

1. Jefferson Davis Sessions III voted for a Black woman?

Damn, I guess miracles DO happen occasionally!

[AzNick]

12. Is she the first female SG?

wondering

[Jane Austin]

13. Goodness no!

Who could forget Joycelyn Elders?

[jasi2006]

15. Too bad we all sconed Dr. Elders. She was so right about AIDS spread,

sexual educations, needle programs...etc.

[glitch]

2. K & R for some good news. nt

[onehandle]

3. Why did the Republicans release their hold?

Because they're quitters just like their queen.

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. What were they given to release the hold, that is what worries me.

The Party of NO had to have some incentive.
Hmmmmm

[Vidar]

4. Dumb question: did someone else resign or did it take ten months for confirmation?

[cal04]

8. Why Don't We Have a Surgeon General?

Linda Bergthold
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-bergthold/why-dont-we-have-a-surgeo_b_335458.html

We don't have a Surgeon General, but we have a potential flu pandemic facing us. The President nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin in early July to be the Surgeon General. The Senate HELP committee unanimously approved her earlier this month. Her nomination is being delayed by Republicans over actions taken by the Administration to hold Humana accountable for sending messages to seniors scaring them about health reform.

What's wrong with this picture? There is no real substantive reason to hold up Dr. Benjamin's nomination (if there were, the Republicans on the HELP committee would have voted no). She is a selfless physician, who has devoted her life to her patients in rural Alabama. However, due to a Senate rule, Senators can hold up a nomination or piece of legislation using a variety of different procedural tools. Senator Enzi of Wyoming's office denies it was he who put the hold on her nomination, but per Senate rules, the delay is not technically a "secret hold" but another procedural rule related to the time allotted for debate on the floor. Whatever it is called, it is a delay, and it is an attempt to hold the Surgeon General confirmation hostage until issues that the Republicans have with the Administration are resolved. They are not yet resolved, according to the Republicans.

[DeSwiss]

10. That's because their issues can only be solved with therapy. n/t

[alstephenson]

16. Bingo.

[ChicagoSuz219]

5. Congratulations, Dr. Benjamin!! (more)

Can't believe they voted UNANIMOUSLY after jerking her around for so long...

...Did they see the ghosts of Halloween Past?

[goclark]

6. Congratulations to Dr. Benjamin! nt

[Psephos]

7. great pick n/t

[question everything]

9. Great! About time! (nt)

[Iwillnevergiveup]

11. Very nice

but probably the only time I'll agree with J. Beauregard.

K&R