Orrin Hatch: “I have listened with great care to our debate about the nomination of Dr. David Satcher over the past few days. It has…”

“I have listened with great care to our debate about the nomination of Dr. David Satcher over the past few days. It has been a constructive discussion, one which has raised a number of important issues. I have the greatest respect for the Offices of the Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health. The individual who occupies this position will become the Nation's No. 1 public health official, our top doctor, if you will. For this reason, this nomination deserves the utmost scrutiny. I have the greatest respect for our colleague, the Senator from Missouri. I think he has made some arguments that raise very valid concerns, and it behooves this body to examine them. That being said, after a great deal of analysis, I have concluded that Dr. Satcher is eminently qualified for the position, and that there is a more than adequate explanation for his position on two key issues--partial-birth abortion and HIV testing in Third World countries. Accordingly, I intend to support his nomination.”