Leavitt Confirmed as HHS Secretary

Mike Leavitt was unanimously confirmed yesterday by the Senate for the top post at Health and Human Services (HHS).  He should face some fairly tough issues, including the alleged Medicare and Medicaid cuts that President Bush is already hinting he will ask for in his 2006 budget.  In addition, he will face numerous issues concerning the new Medicare prescription drug program as well as Food and Drug Administration concerns over the approval and regulation of prescription drugs. [bm]