Indian-American Democrat Ro Khanna, who is running for Congress from the Silicon Valley, has asked the US Senate to confirm Vivek Murthy as the Surgeon General, saying opposition to his nomination is unwarranted.
"The appointment of Vivek Murthy as the next US Surgeon General is an important moment for the Hindu American community and I am extremely proud that President (Barack) Obama has made this choice," Khanna said in a statement.
Nominated by the President for the top health position in the US, the confirmation of Murthy is being held in the Senate because of his strong stand against the gun culture.
The strong gun lobby has launched a campaign against him.
"This recognition affirms that Hindus, like all other religions, are a key part of the American fabric. As someone of Hindu faith, I celebrate this appointment but am deeply disappointed to see that certain members of the Senate are launching a campaign to derail the confirmation," Khanna said.
"Their opposition is unwarranted and reflective of a system broken by special interests," Khanna said.
Meanwhile, The Boston Globe advocated the Senate confirmation of Murthy.
"In truth, gun advocates' opposition to Murthy ultimately has little to do with the nominee himself. His stances on a variety of health-related issues, including guns, are common among public-health advocates and are in line with the president's. Obama should be rallying support for his nominee, and pressing wary Democratic senators to vote their consciences," the daily said.
