Senate Confirms Azar as Health and Human Services Secretary
This week, the full Senate confirmed Alex Azar as the Trump administration’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services by a vote of 55 – 43. Mr. Azar is a former Eli Lilly executive who also served as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services under the George W. Bush administration.
Seven Democrats supported Azar’s confirmation, while one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), voted against him. Democrats opposed Azar due to his tenure at Lilly during which drug prices increased significantly. Sen. Paul (R-KY) voted against Azar due to the nominee’s opposition to drug importation, which Sen. Paul favors as a way to reduce drug prices.
Last Reviewed: January 29, 2018
