Senate Finally Confirms Surgeon General

Republicans relent after weeks of procedural delays

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2009 2:59 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Senate unanimously confirmed Regina Benjamin as US surgeon general yesterday after Republicans ended a procedural delay that had dragged on for several weeks. Mitch McConnell and seven other GOP senators said they stalled because of an administration “gag order” that prevented insurers from giving their opinions on the effects of pending health care reform to senior citizens on Medicare. Benjamin said the news was “just sinking in."

"I'm excited, looking forward to it, sad that I won't be able to continue to see my patients," the new surgeon general told the Mobile Press-Register.

Dr. Regina Benjamin, an Alabama family physician, speaks following an announcement by President Barack Obama of his intention to nominate her as the surgeon general, Monday, July 13, 2009, in the White... (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

President Barack Obama stands with his nominee for Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

nellpost

Nov 1, 2009 4:48 AM CST

I wonder what jamerican looks like...I think pictures of posters should be a must. I imagine she is a daughter of the south??? Jamerican, was mommy in the DAR?

Altoecko

Oct 31, 2009 8:47 AM CDT

Alright let me straighten something out here, the Vice President and his allies holds SOOOO much more sway in an administration than a Surgeon General and her associates. On top of this, Cheney was CEO of Halliburton for a period of time, Benjamin on the other hand works on a scientific advisory board for Burger King. Your logic doesn't stretch as far as you'd like it to my friend.

Altoecko

Oct 31, 2009 7:34 AM CDT

Just because she consults for some people doesn't make Obama automatically listen to them on major policy issues. Why don't you read a bit more about this great woman? http://www.time.com/time/natio...

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Politics • Health • US

Medicare • GOP • Mitch McConnell • patient • Surgeon General • health care reform • senator • insurance industry • Obama administration • President Obama • Regina Benjamin • health insurance industry

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Senate Finally Confirms Surgeon General

Republicans relent after weeks of procedural delays

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Medicare • GOP • Mitch McConnell • patient • Surgeon General • health care reform • senator • insurance industry • Obama administration • President Obama • Regina Benjamin • health insurance industry

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On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste

Donald Berwick says 20-30% of health care spending helps no one

No More Co-Pay for Birth Control: Obama

New preventive health rules require insurers to cover cost

'Death Panels' Return: Obama Enacts End-of-Life Planning

Obama to add end-of-life planning to Medicare

White House Caves, Will Extend Bush Tax Cuts

But Axelrod says Obama will veto any health care threat

Republicans Look to Hobble Health Reform

May force partisan standoff

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Senate Finally Confirms Surgeon General

Republicans relent after weeks of procedural delays

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Medicare • GOP • Mitch McConnell • patient • Surgeon General • health care reform • senator • insurance industry • Obama administration • President Obama • Regina Benjamin • health insurance industry

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste

Donald Berwick says 20-30% of health care spending helps no one

No More Co-Pay for Birth Control: Obama

New preventive health rules require insurers to cover cost

'Death Panels' Return: Obama Enacts End-of-Life Planning

Obama to add end-of-life planning to Medicare

White House Caves, Will Extend Bush Tax Cuts

But Axelrod says Obama will veto any health care threat

Republicans Look to Hobble Health Reform

May force partisan standoff

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Newser By Users

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