Democrats unnecessarily blocking nomination of Seema Verma: WH

The White House today slammed the opposition Democratic party for unnecessarily delaying Indian-American Seema Verma's nomination for a top health position in the Trump administration.
"She's unquestionably and uniquely qualified for her position. And especially now that health reform is at the top of the president's agenda, it's time to get her in place. This delay by Senate Democrats at this critical time is unacceptable," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
The White House, he said, had hoped that Verma would be confirmed as the administrator this week at the Administrator of health centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to unnecessarily delay her confirmation. At this critical time, while we're talking about healthcare, it's ironic that they refuse to consider someone with such amazing expertise in this area," Spicer said.
"Seema Verma has worked for over 20 years in healthcare policy. She has redesigned Medicaid programs in several states, including Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Kentucky. She's worked with governor's offices, state Medicaid agencies, state health departments, state departments of insurance, as well as private companies and foundation," he said.
The strong White House statement came as the Senate voted 55-44 on her nomination which needed only majority vote to overcome the initial procedural hurdles.

The final vote could be held either Friday or Monday. If confirmed she would be second Indian-American in the Trump Administration. The first being Nikki Haley, who is now the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Verma is a superb choice for this position.
Top Democratic Senators opposed her nomination on the
Senate floor. "I oppose the nomination of Seema Verma to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," said Senator Dianne Feinstein.
The Senator from California alleged that Verma made deeply troubling statements in her confirmation hearings, stating that she thought insurance companies should not be required to cover maternity care. "Ensuring coverage of essential health services is a key tenet of the Affordable Care Act, and we can't go back to the days when insurance companies offered consumers plans that didnt cover care when they needed it," she said.

"Seema Verma does not have the experience to lead our most important health care programs that thousands of Nevadans rely on. I voted no," said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.
"In Seema Verma, Trump has nominated another candidate who is both unqualified and reflects an extreme ideology for the department she will oversee," Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said. "Her non-answers and Medicaid positions are insulting to the millions who rely on Medicare & Medicaid for," said Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey.
If confirmed, Verma would be the second Indian-American to be have been done so by the Senate. The first one is Nikki Haley who is now the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, batted in favor of Verma on the Senate floor yesterday. "Seema Verma has a deep health policy background. She's a reformer with a proven record of success. And not only does she have an unparalleled grasp of the complex fiscal and policy challenges facing the agencies she'll be charged with overseeing, she also understands the states and consumers she will be serving," he asserted.
"She's particularly well-qualified to lead this agency. She has a proven record of success. She's got the skill and the drive to make positive reforms too. I can hardly think of anyone better for the job. I urge colleagues to join me in voting to advance her nomination today," McConnell said.