Sebelius to Accept Secretary of HHS Nomination

By: Chris Didizian, CIS Senior Associate
chrisdidizian@cis-partners.com

Throughout the past few weeks, the media has consistently fed us phrases like, “a step in the right direction” or “positive change on the horizon…” when referring to healthcare reform. While I adamantly contend the notion that healthcare reform is, in fact, positive, the most recent newsfeed highlighting Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as the next HHS Secretary is certainly worth some discussion because it is a significant cabinet position.

On Monday, March 2nd President Obama nominated Mrs. Sebelius to replace Tom Daschle, who withdrew from nomination when his failure to pay over 100k in taxes was discovered. Championed as a candidate more than capable to carry out health care reform, Sebelius lacks the necessary, personal connections and relationships that Tom Daschle was well known for.[1] As a result, she may face some challenges. Despite the anticipated struggle, Sebelius has demonstrated success in promoting health care provisions as written in the stimulus bill, in leading health care meetings with Obama and Biden in attendance, and in expanding her state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.[2] This experience should serve her well as she will be bombarded with issues relating not only to health reform but also recent issues facing Medicare and food safety.

There are, however, a few ironies of this potential nomination. Sebelius is supposed to be Obama’s best back-up for the role of HHS Secretary, yet back in December she withdrew her name from consideration for any cabinet position.[3] Why now is she being considered? Is there no better candidate to push for health reform? In addition, her family and administration have traditionally been bipartisan. Perhaps the explanation here is that Obama is keeping his promise of creating a bipartisan cabinet, despite many of his recent selections. Finally, unlike Daschle, Mrs. Sebelius will not be in charge of the White House health committee that will be key in drafting health policy. While I understand that the plan for Daschle to occupy both positions was unique, I cannot help but wonder whether the two individuals, one the HHS Secretary – one the chair of the health committee, will be somewhat confrontational and, therefore, less efficient. We will have to wait and see.

Sources:
[1] http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/02/19/sebelius-hhs/
[2] Ibid.,
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/us/politics/19health.html?_r=2&hp