California’s Becerra Narrowly Confirmed as Biden’s Health Secretary

Xavier Becerra, the then-nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, answers questions during his Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 24, 2021. Greg Nash/Pool via Reuters

The Senate on March 18 narrowly confirmed Xavier Becerra as health secretary, due to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) crossing the aisle and voting with Democrats.

Collins joined all the Democrats present in the 50–49 vote. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) missed the vote.