Sylvia Mathews Burwell is widely expected to be confirmed as the next secretary of HHS. Democrats have the votes to approve her appointment even without Republican support. But that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of tough questions and political posturing when she appears Thursday before the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee.
Burwell currently serves as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. The Senate confirmed her last year for that post 96-0.
Few significant concerns have been raised this time around about Burwell's acumen or fitness for the top spot at HHS overseeing the $1 trillion agency. The 49-year-old West Virginia native's resume includes stints as the president of the Walmart Foundation, chief operating officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and deputy chief of staff to President Bill Clinton.