On the last day before leaving for August recess, the Senate approved nominees for several key HHS leadership positions, including the new assistant secretary for mental health and substance abuse.
The Senate on Thursday afternoon unanimously passed the nominations of Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use; Dr. Robert Kadlec, assistant secretary for preparedness and response; and Lance Allen Robertson for assistant secretary for aging.
The Senate also confirmed Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams.
The Finance Committee held a hearing on Matthew Bassett for assistant secretary for legislative affairs and Robert Charrow for general counsel at HHS on Thursday, but did not vote on their nominations.
The assistant secretary for planning and evaluation, assistant secretary for health, assistant secretary for financial resources and assistant secretary for children and families are also still awaiting confirmation, according to the Partnership for Public Service. President Donald Trump has not nominated anyone to be director of Indian Health Services yet.
