Becerra to get key committee hearing next week 

President Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services will get a hearing before the Senate Health Committee Feb. 23.

Xavier Becerra, who is California’s attorney general and a former member of the House, has already faced pushback from the GOP, signaling a rocky confirmation process ahead.

Republicans point to the 100-plus lawsuits Becerra filed against the Trump administration as California’s top law enforcement officer, and his support for abortion rights and Medicare for All. They also argue he is unqualified because he doesn’t have any health care experience.

Becerra can be confirmed if he gets the support of all 50 Senate Democrats, with Vice President Harris as the tie-breaking vote, if need be.

Still, a handful of Senate Republicans have voted to confirm some of Biden’s other nominees, so it seems likely a few will support Becerra as well.