Last week the Senate Finance Committee considered the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Senators questioned Gov. Sebelius about health care reform, and she underscored the administration’s commitment to reform this year. The Governor also promised to work on reforming physician payment, which is promising.

Gov. Sebelius also revealed to the Finance Committee that "unintentional errors" prompted her and her husband to file amended 2005, 2006 and 2007 tax returns and pay about $8,000 in additional tax and interest. Compared to other nominees’ tax nightmares, this seems a relatively minor issue.

A positive vote on her nomination is expected after Congress returns from the spring recess. But there is still no mention of what’s happening with Surgeon General, final NIH director, or the CMS Administrator.

*** Kathleen Sebelius. Image from Wikimedia Commons (Dayton Mitchell) ***

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