AP | NPR

NPR.org, April 28, 2009 · Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has won Senate confirmation to serve as the nation’s health and human services secretary.

She already has a public health emergency on her hands with the swine flu sickening dozens of Americans.

The 65-31 vote came after Democrats urged quick action so that Sebelius could get to work leading the federal response to the flu outbreak. Sixty votes in the 100-seat Senate were necessary for approval.

Republican opponents cited Sebelius’ pro-abortion-rights stance and raised concerns about whether Obama administration plans to overhaul the nation’s health system would lead to rationing of care.

Sebelius was the final Obama Cabinet pick awaiting confirmation.