US Senate confirms health secretary

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed President Barack Obama's nominee to be health and human services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, against the backdrop of global swine flu fears.

Senators voted 65-31 to approve Sebelius to the post amid concerns that gaps in senior US government health positions could adversely affect the response to the outbreak in the dangerous disease.

Sebelius and Obama's lead health aide at the White House, Nancy-Ann DeParle, face the daunting task of coordinating the president's ambitious plans to remake the US healthcare system.

"She's a problem solver, and that's what Congress needs in a partner for healthcare reform," Democratic Senator Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement.

"I look forward to working with the governor to create the high-quality, low-cost, easily accessible healthcare system America needs," Baucus said.

Sebelius, the Kansas governor, overcame some initial questions about her finances, including a need to pay back taxes. Some of the stronger opposition to her came after she disclosed that she had received campaign funds from a doctor under scrutiny for performing late-term abortions.

"I cannot support the nomination of someone to be the leader of our health and human services department who does not respect human life. That is why I will be voting against Governor Sebelius," said Republican Senator Jim Bunning.

In the final breakdown, two independents and nine Republicans joined 54 Democrats in voting in favour of confirmation, while 31 Republicans voted against. Three lawmakers did not vote.

Obama chose Sebelius after his first pick for the post, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, withdrew amid a controversy over unpaid taxes.

Senator Arlen Specter, who announced earlier in the day he was defecting from the Republican party to become a Democrat, voted in favour of confirmation.

Sebelius's confirmation fills the final vacancy in Obama's cabinet on his 99th day in office.