“Today’s Senate confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell to serve as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services is great news for women, families and the country. It bodes extremely well for the continuing work to improve the quality, value, coordination and transparency of our health care system. Burwell is superbly qualified for this position, and well prepared to continue the critical work to implement the Affordable Care Act in ways that will give everyone in this nation access to affordable, high-quality health care.

Through her work in the Clinton administration, in philanthropy, and at the Office of Management and Budget, Burwell has demonstrated extraordinary skill and deep commitment to the issues that matter most to women and families. President Obama was right to describe her as a ‘tireless advocate for women’s health.’ Burwell has valuable experience with health information technology, a keen understanding of how insurance markets and our health care delivery system work, and a deep commitment to ending the disparities that pervade our health care system. As she affirmed at her confirmation hearing, she understands that a stronger health care system ‘forms the foundation of a stronger middle class, a more prosperous economy, and healthier communities.’

The country will be much better off if the bipartisanship this confirmation generated carries over into the work to reform our health care system, so that all women and families will soon have the security that comes with knowing that they have affordable, dependable health coverage that will meet their needs.”