Following the
resignation Friday of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the focus on confirming her successor should be on putting Americans first over Obama administration policies, says South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
Scott, a Republican, was one of 96 senators who voted to confirm Sylvia Burwell as White House budget director a year ago. But
he told "Fox News Sunday" that while there was "no doubt" Burwell was a good choice to head the Office of Management and Budget, "That does not necessarily make her a good choice for HHS."
During confirmation hearings, Republicans will need to look at how Obamacare and the role of HHS secretary have been "woven together," Scott said. He suggested that Sebelius was more concerned with "carrying water" for President Barack Obama and his signature healthcare legislation.
Host Chris Wallace suggested the resignation of Sebelius may focus this year's midterm elections even more sharply on the unpopular Affordable Care Act. A Real Clear Politics average of polls shows 52 percent of Americans oppose it.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, said Democrats welcome such a focus, insisting they'll run on Obamacare. He said many of those who oppose the law are like him and think it didn't go far enough, including a public option.
But Scott continued to press the problems with Obamacare, including increased costs to consumers and broken promises by Sebelius that implementation of the law would not be delayed. The White House made unilateral changes in the law, including delays of key portions, 36 separate times.
Scott was doubtful of any promises Burwell might make on coming to Congress for any future changes after the tenure of Sebelius.
"There's no doubt that she had to go," Scott said.
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