CNN

I'd like to hear the excuse for not having a new head of the CDC in place.
As the story notes, this post does not require any confirmation from the Senate, so why the delay?

The guy can't get through a speech without a teleprompter... and you expect him to step up for a crisis...

If he can't through money at it... he's got no other plan...

"Tax issues have slowed Sebelius's Senate confirmation."....

Can't you just come out and say the truth – that Republicans are blocking her nomination instead of fudging it like that.......

He does not care. He is playing Basketball and playing with the dog.

president obama's problem with appointing key personnel is that he somehow is drawn to people who leave a lot to be desired as we have seen. most of his appointees have been turned down or have had to step down because of things in their background, like unpaid taxes ect, but that seems to be insignificant to him.

Tell your SENATORs to confirm HHS Secy that Obama has appointed:

http://action.seiu.org/page/s/confirmsebelius

Thanks for your input.

Well – when his appointees don't pay their taxes – why should it surprise him that he runs short handed.

Don't worry, Barry can solve all of our problems using some verbal "magic dust" from his teleprompter.

Apply pretty words... there... all better now.

Why don't you all just change your name or call letters to: LFN (LITTLE FOX NEWS) and get it over with! So, I'll NEVER have to come here again!

"Never let a good crisis go to waste"

How long before we hear the screams and howls from Obama's cult-followers about the conservative opposition to Seblius?

The situation will probably be handled better by the "civil servants" without interference from politically appointed "newbies".

The GOP would veto and or obstruct "Kiss you Mother Day " to show what they think as still having "influence and control".

This is a lot like the story of "cry wolf" - except that in this case, the Democrats see REAL wolves. The Republicans are conveniently ignoring the problem.

Meanwhile, the wolves are getting closer.

Wasn't Hillary just in Mexico kissing up to them? Could that be the source of the swine flu.

P.S. Oh...those missing Army vials, which it us reported MAY NEVER be found, contained equine encephalitis and not the swine/avian/human flu virus...so there goes that conspiracy theory...

"Missing from the Sunday news conference: the adminstration's Health and Human Services Secretary. That's because Obama's nominee for HHS secretary, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, has yet to be confirmed by the Senate." ... because the GOP is blocking her confirmation because they do not agree on her stand on abortion.

CNN please update this story and give the public full disclosure.

That is because the RETHUGS are playing politics. They all need to be voted out of office!

It is a very "Unhealthy Government". Been looking sick since Obama took over.

I trust that the Obama Administration is moving as quickly as possible to appoint qualified people to these positions. I also trust that the obstructionist Republicans will do everything in their power to slow the process down because if there's one truism these days, it's that the Republican Party will do anything and everything to try to make the Obama Administration fail.

Why? Because all they care about is regaining political power. God help us if they do – we have far to much evidence to believe their policies would do nothing more than further harm our nation and citizens.

Fetus rights over victims of swine flu !!!!

The republicans are putting our nation's health at risk by selfishly holding up the HHS secretary's nomination. When will they stop playing politics and put country first, for once? If there are any deaths related to this outbreak on U.S. soil, the blood will be on their hands.

Last week it was reported our Army was missing a vial that contained various viruses....has it been recovered? Now we got swine/avian/human flu running rampant....I love a good conspiracy...

I happen to work for HHS and it would be beneficial to have our Sec. in place.

I happen to work for HHS and it would beneficial to have our Sec. in place.

Thank you republicans for stonewalling the confirmation of Sebellius. Idiots.

Oh, and thanks to susan collins and the conservatives that also didn't think it was necessary to include the money for pandemics. Real smart.

Thanks, GOP.

Yes, it doesn't help that the party of "NO" is holding up HHS nominee's confirmation. Maybe now that we have a health concern, they'll put the country first.

I guess Congress can get off its lazy bottom and confirm Sebelis. Did they not just come back for ANOTHER two weeks off?

You know, if Republicans weren’t busy blocking Obama’s HHS nomination pretending they care about the abortion issue as anything other than a political tool, Sebelius would be in place and we could be taking advanced steps to preventing this outbreak. But again, it’s “Politics First”, and Americans are suffering so they can secure a few votes next year.

A public health emergency is issued and we have not yet had one case where the patient needed hospitalization ? Are we overreacting ? Or, abbra cadabra, just a little misdirection ?

It's all about HOPE AND CHANGE people.

Instead of having "bad folks" running the government, let's have NO ONE!

Obama should have spent less time campaigning for President in 1012 and more time actually BEING President.

Time for the party of "NO!" to allow Sebelius to be confirmed.

He's been in office for what, 100 days and he still doesn't have the HHS staffed up? Remember how he started a new quasi-official office (complete with insignia) called the office of the president-elect? He's never accomplished anything other than getting elected. He can't even fill his cabinet and the people he does find that will take the job don't seem able to pay their taxes.

After 100 days, it looks like we may have our worst president ever.

CNN, would you please give the President a break? Why don't you mention that your GOP friends are holding up the nomination of Kathleen Sebelieus as the Healthy secretary?

Who else is to blame but the party of No, which is holding up most of the nominations??? Business as usual for the Republican party.

Thank you Sanjay Gupta for running away when presented the honor to keep your country healthy.

Always criticizing the Presidents every move. The country is in trouble, we have an effective hard working President. I know the press has a living to earn my sensationalizing even the dog of the first family, however in the midst of a recession and great turmoil, how beneficial is it to outline the dearth of officers in this case?

What does the author expect from thinking readers? Applause???

No! Please try ethical reporting and save the sensation for Hollywood types.

It sick to know the party of "tax and spend" doesnt even pay their own taxes.

Once again republicans show how stupid they have become by playing politics with this confirmation. It will come back to bite them big time.

This flu will be especially hard on those without health insurance. Those with health insurance will have a better chance to survive. This is probably a case where the republicans will gain ground. I hope that all Americans will have equal health insurance opportunities in the near future. With the decline of unions such as the UAW and the Teamsters that have set the standard for workers health care, we will now be at the mercy of our government.

Republican obstructionism to the confirmation of Kathleen Sibelius is putting public health and national security at risk. Contact your Senators today and demand an immediate vote.

I see our President anchored by a do-nothing Congress as usual they can't even play well with their own party's President!!!

Well, it's not like it's Obama's fault; he sent forward his nominee for HHS Secretary ages ago, and her confirmation hearings have been stalled up in Congress because of petty partisan politics!

Obama goes with everything as fast as it is possible. I'm happy that it is he who is in White House in charge.

This whole swine flu outbreak is President O'Bama's fault. He knew Mexico was dealing with an outbreak and should have acted quicker... just another example of this man's short comings in the leadership category.

This White House is the saddest example of ineptitude in the short history of our nation. How much longer will it take before America wakes up to this fact?

Republican members of Congress put the well being of Americans at risk to play politics with the Sebelius confirmation at Health & Human Services.

I'll remember that type of pettiness come election time.

His economic team is not at 100% either, and they've managed to indebt the country for trillions of dollars on wasted and ineffectual programs.

Not being ready has never stopped Obama from anything.

You will also find integrity issues with the President's nominee for Secretary of HHS. Let's not minimize the nomination concerns with Governor Sebelius.

No team in place, 100 days in office, and a serious event is shaping up. Government better get it together. Mexico has measures in place, yet we do not. Looking for people who sneeze at the border is not a measure-it is the appearance of one. Don't let the bad economy stop you from doing the right thing Mr. Obama. If this flu goes wild and kills a bunch of your citizens, no amount of backpeddling and excuses will keep it from coming back to a lack of leadership on your part.

While part of the problem has certainly been Republican obstruction, a key overlooked issue though has been the Obama adminstration's refusal to allow lobbyists into his "team". Obama has set the bar so morally and ethically high for lobbyists that these positions are still not filled. In both of these excuses though, the new President emerges as the one with ideas, standards, convictions and a purpose.

to blame, who to blame?
Obama's vetting team would be a start

The WH health staff team was at 100% over the past 8 years and accomplished nothing. I'd rather see it understaffed than to see it staffed with warm bodies to meet the payroll.

haha...the White House staff reminds me of the "Island of Misfit Toys.." Ballerina Emanuel, stuttering and stammering Gibbs, She-Man Napalitano, tax cheat Geithner...That staff is a reflection on the incompetency and inexperience of Obama...It's a glaring example of what happens when you have runaway liberalism and corruption team together..all supported by a biased media.

Republican obstruction is becoming dangerous and detrimental to our country now. Don't they ever think?

Right now it's the Republicans who are to blame for holding up the confirmation of these positions .... Obama nominated these people weeks ago they should have been confirmed by now.

The party of NO is holding up key Health and Human Services nominees because they have the audacity to support a medical procedure that is 100% legal and has been for decades.

The political gamesmanship needs to end. Republican Senators need to stop putting their political grandstanding ahead of public health in the midst of this crisis!

The article fails to mention that Sebelius's nomination is largely held up by Republicans who would rather face a swine flu outbreak without an HHS Secretary than have an HHS Secretary that supports a legal right upheld by the Supreme Court.

We will see what their priorities are if the swine flu gets worse on who gets vaccines and medication for treatment? Will people who have to man their jobs like police, fire, medical, military, and utilities personel get treated first?

hey let the man do his job, use your energy to help, not hinder get a LIFE

Wanted to chime in on the healthcare issue. Folks, this whole notion that socialized medicine is the "devil" is laughable. I am in the HealthCare Industry, particularly on the Insurance side of the spectrum. Although Insurance companies recieve unfair attacks, I can understand everyone's frustration. The reason why the GOP is against "socialized medicine" becasue it caps what hospitals can charge, it caps what pharmaceutical companies can charge you and I for drugs, it puts a cap on what doctors can charge. The other half to socialized medicine is preventive medicine and accountability. I'm not sure if all of you are aware that Medicare is going to a P4Q (pay for quality) system which means doctors and hospitals will no longer be reimbursed based on how many time that they see a patient, but rather how well the outcomes are for their patients i.e. diabetics, cardiac patients etc. Canada and Europe have already adopted this system, it forces doctors to focus on preventive medical practices verses reactive medical treatment. So no longer can doctors or hospitals get away with maximizing profit while providing substandard care. Also, insurance companies will have not only state regulatory bodies to answer too, but government as well (even though they already do, they just dont admit it) so moving to a sort of socialized system is good for the patient, bad for Pharmacuetical companies, Insurance Companys, Doctors and Hospitals. Socialized Medicine takes the money and profit out of healthcare and puts the patient first. Which is how it should be. It's about time that the American Healthcare Industry moves towards making a difference instead of worrying about making a profit.

There would be more people in place if the GOP would stop playing partisan games with appointees. They don't want t government to work and they certainly don't want it to work for ordinary Americans. The GOP ramrodded through the least-qualified people during Bush's time in office and now that we have well-qualified people to fill these jobs during Obama's administration, these rightwing jerks can't stand it. They are the party of NO and they don't care about Americans' needs - only their own party politics.

BTW: Susan Collins blocked funding to help deal with things like flu pandemics. Another case of the GOP hating the American people. When do we stop tolerating the two-year-old-with-stinky-diaper mindset among the GOP who are so far doing everything they can to hinder progress in this country?

Let`s have the IRS look at those voting on her nomination. Could be interesting !!!!!

I would like to recommend a candidate for Surgeon General.

He is a medical doctor, with extensive executive experience as a 5-term governor, has successfully implemented universal health care for children at the state level, and has a successful track record at managing the logistics of a nationwide program as Chairman of the Democratic Party.

He has been thoroughly vetted during his own presidential campaign.

I suggest that you contact Dr. Howard Dean, your best candidate for Surgeon General of the United States.

Everyone is always worried about tax problems. But, now we have a potential pandemic afflicted the United States and no Secretary of Health and Human Services. Why? Because the confimation committe is fixated on issues other than the her ability to keep America healthy and safe from the threats of the New Millenium. Taxes are important, but they won't stop the Swine Flu is it is destined to become the next pandemic.

As I listen to the leftists of the United Nations spew their hysteria concerning this "epidemic/pandemic", I can only think that this is the same nonsense that our media hyped up with regard to the economic stimulus, the healthcare issue, and the subprime mortgage "crisis".

I'm laughing at all the sheep being led by nose by these "Chicken Little(s)" who have to turn every challenge into an almost unsolvable situation.

A bogeyman in every pot.

Pathetic.

You have conveinantly left out the reason why we don't have a Health Secratary: Because Republicans are holding up and fillibustering the confirmation.

Watch the GOP try to find a reason not to confirm those five individuals. I bet you if this were the Bush administration and it were their own up for confirmation they would be confirmed without missing a beat.

We could be livingin a country where we had free healthcare, the average single person middle class income was in the low-mid six figure range, and where we had renewable energy.

What has been the speed bump at every turn along the path to that future?

Republicans.

Fact: When SARS broke out in Canada a few years ago.....

35 people died because they where in the Emergency Waiting Room of the Hospital that the second person was taken to. His wife was told to drive to the hospital and wait in the waiting room to be called to join her husband. She was in the Waiting room for 15 minuets and 35 people died as a result!

This Administration is not prepared to save America-save yourself and STAY HOME!

Don't go to an Emergency room unless you want to die!

Don't go anywhere unless you want to die!

His education chief was in charge of the worst school district in America.

Geithner's a tax cheat, Napolitano is obviously lacking in thought and skill, Holder was specifically chosen because he works for the Guantanamo law firm, and his EPA chief was chosen specifically to lable carbon dioxide as a poison.

Why isn't Sebelius confirmed yet? People's lives are at stake.

****************************************************************
Stephen King wrote a book and made a movie "The Stand". It's a movie where our government has a breach at a Military Weapons Biological Center in Baja California where a Super Flu escapes into the air and infects the planet through Air Travel and our government lies to the American People and the World right up to the end and only a few thousand people survive and it becomes a story of Good vs Evil. Would our governmet lie to us as well ? ****************************************************************

The Obama admin. and staff can handle this along with all other gov.sections .

The time to confirm the DHS would be now, unless the party of "no" would like to keep holding this up.
But then........do they wish people pointing their fingers at them?????
Time will tell.

Sebilius would be confirmed by now if Republicans hadn't tried to obstruct her confirmation. She was supposed to be confirmed last week. One thing they do not understand is that their grandstanding for political gain has real life consequences, and makes our country vulnerable. When will the Republicans stop playing politics and start helping our country?

Come on.... give the man a break! He has only been in office for 100 days... remember? He's good... he's smart... and he sings well, too... but the man is not magic!

By the way, does CNN often describe 0 for 19 as "not at 100%"?

Silly me, but I pretty much call it zero.

Yep, change I knew was coming.

Even if were up and running at 100% I still wouldn't sleep at night. Look at some of the people Obama has appointed to many of these very important positions. Not the right people, no doubt about it.

Well, at least Obama can blame Bush as usual.

I am beginning to see a pattern here with the dirty GOPer's. Cheney spews of a new attack because he thinks Obama reversing his torture policies will weaken the U.S. so if a terroist attack occurs anytime in Obama's presidency he can say, "See, I told you Obama is weak and weakend the U.S." Then by taking their sweet time confirming Sebelius for HHS Secretary, now a possible flu outbreak, they can say, "See, he is not prepared"

obama and his tax cheats...what a group.

Ready to lead on day one, eh?

What? No HHS? Oh, that's right, the GOP have been fighting against her confirmation for how long has it been now?

What happened to 'ready on day one'?

This is change we can believe in? I think not.

The Oval Office is pitifully below 100% staffed, too.

Thanks again republicans for obstructing progress yet again for your own petty reasons. Guess you guys don't care that this country NEEDS A HHS do you?

That must be the reason why we have no plan at the current moment. Please just make sure there's free flu drugs or little cost flu drug for the unemployed and the ones that cant afford it. This should help stop the flu. Like I said, last year, I DRANK the last drop of flu medicine, belonging to my brother. I couldnt afford $1000.00 office visit plus drugs.