California Attorney General Xavier Becerra was formally introduced Tuesday as President-elect Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
If he is confirmed, Becerra, the son of immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico, will be the first Latino to lead that department.
Becerra appeared remotely from California to accept the nomination.
"President-elect Biden has offered me a breathtaking opportunity: to work with his team to shape our healthcare future. I share the President-elect and Vice President-elect’s determination to rebuild unity and civility in America," he said.
Becerra reflected on being at his father's side when he passed on New Year's Day, just before the coronavirus pandemic hit and claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives.
"No one should ever have to die alone in a hospital bed, loved ones forced to stay away. That seems so contrary to values of a great nation."
Before serving as California’s Attorney General, Becerra represented part of Los Angeles in Congress for 24 years. Biden touted Becerra’s help in passing the Affordable Care Act and then his work defending it through legal challenges to the Trump administration as experience that would serve him well as HHS Secretary.
Biden also used the opportunity to announce his priorities for his first 100 days in office: dispensing 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, reopening schools and getting Americans to do their part by simply wearing a mask.
"Whatever your politics or point of view, mask up for 100 days once we take office. 100 days to make a difference. It’s not a political statement, it’s a patriotic act."
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