Dems likely to file cloture on HHS nomination
Some Republicans oppose Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary, in part, for her policy positions and her support of abortion rights.
Despite opposition to Democratic Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' nomination to serve as HHS secretary, a Senate GOP aide said on Wednesday Republicans had not placed any holds on the confirmation.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is expected to be forced to file cloture on the nomination, the aide said, because he will not receive unanimous consent to proceed directly to a vote. Republicans oppose Sebelius, in part, for her policy positions and her support of abortion rights.
But one of the Senate's staunchest abortion opponents, GOP Sen. Sam Brownback, happens to be from Kansas and said he plans to support Sebelius. "That's pretty typical for in-state senators to support the nominee from their home state," said Brownback, a contender for the Kansas governor's race next year.
His staff even researched the situation and found just two cases where senators opposed Cabinet nominees from their home states. Sen. Pat Roberts, also a Kansas Republican, supports Sebelius as well and voted for her during Finance Committee approval.