On the recordDecember 15, 2014
I wish to congratulate Dr. Vivek H. Murthy on his confirmation as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States. Earlier today, the U.S. Senate held a series of votes in order to confirm Dr. Vivek H. Murthy as Surgeon General of the United States. The first vote was held to invoke cloture on his nomination, the second to confirm. Dr. Murthy was successfully confirmed by a vote of 51-43. My flight from Cleveland to Washington, DC was delayed causing me to miss both votes. Had I been present, I would have voted to support Mr. Murthy's nomination. President Obama nominated Dr. Murthy for this position last November. Dr. Murthy's extensive experience as an entrepreneur, health professional, and public health advocate make him an exceptionally well qualified candidate for Surgeon General. Although I was unable to make it to DC in time to vote to help confirm Dr. Murthy, I would have voted to support his confirmation. Dr. Vivek H. Murthy will be an exemplary Surgeon General, and it is for this reason that I wrote to President Obama asking that he nominate Dr. Murthy for this position. His long record of innovative business leadership and unwavering belief in a more inclusive health care system advance our Nation's public health agenda. I look forward to working with Dr. Murthy in his role as Surgeon General. ____________________





