Burwell Faces Barrage Of Tough Questions In Confirmation Hearing

In the face of Republican lawmakers firing questions, Sylvia M. Burwell at least appeared to garner bipartisan support. President Obama's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary underwent a Senate committee hearing Thursday morning, during which Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., offered nothing but "highest praise for her work" as deputy director at the Office of Management and Budget, the role which Burwell currently holds.

McCain admitted he recommended Burwell turn down the HHS nomination due to the position being among the "most thankless jobs" in Washington. "Who would recommend their friend take over as captain of the Titanic after it hit the iceberg," he joked. Despite this, McCain extended his full support of her nomination. "Regardless of my objections to the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services needs competent leadership in the position of secretary … I believe Ms. Burwell has the qualifications," he added...