
WASHINGTON, D.C. - MARCH 2, 2009 – The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance commended the Obama Administration today for moving swiftly to fill a key cabinet post, with the nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"We are encouraged that the Obama Administration has moved proactively to nominate Governor Sebelius as the new Health and Human Services Secretary,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Health care must remain front and center on the Administration's priority list. We look forward to working with her once she is confirmed."
“Having known Governor Sebelius for more than two decades, I am very pleased to see her nomination,” said Peggy Johnson, public policy chair of the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “She has a long history of supporting women’s health issues and I am confident she will be a strong advocate for renewing the nation’s focus on health care and a commitment to finding a cure for all cancers.”
The Komen Advocacy Alliance also noted that President Obama’s budget and recent speech before Congress illustrated the importance of health care on his agenda, including discovering and delivering the cures for cancer.
“Governor Sebelius brings to this post first-hand knowledge of the gaping holes in this nation’s health care safety net,” said Martina Hone, president of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance. “As the Administration seeks to double our nation’s investment in cancer research and states struggle to provide desperately needed services, it is important that we work together towards our common promise to save lives.”