Kathleen Sebelius, President Barack Obama's pick to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services, has moved one step closer to being confirmed for the position by the US Senate.

Sebelius's nomination was endorsed by all the Democrats and two Republicans in the Senate's Finance Committee. The final vote was 15-8, with some prominent Republicans, such as ranking member Charles Grassley (R-IA), voting against the Kansas governor's nomination. According to the Los Angeles Times, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) questioned Sebelius's support of comparative effectiveness research, which seeks to analyze the efficacy of different drugs or treatments. Kyl said that such research could lead to the government refusing coverage of more expensive treatments that could help patients.

The full Senate is expected to vote on her confirmation within the next two weeks.


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