December 15, 2014

Manchin Statement on Opposition to Dr. Murthy's Surgeon General Confirmation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin issued the following statement on his opposition to confirming Dr. Vivek Murthy’s as America’s next Surgeon General.

“Our Surgeon General serves as America’s leader on public health services and chooses what health policies we should prioritize. For that reason, I don’t believe it’s appropriate for America’s number one doctor to participate in political activism. It is essential that the Surgeon General gains the public’s trust, so this position must be separated from the political arena. After meeting with Dr. Murthy, I don’t question his medical qualifications; I just question whether the public will believe that he can separate his political beliefs from his public health views. I am wary that his past comments and political involvement will have an impact on his leadership capabilities and effectiveness. For these reasons, I am unable to vote for his confirmation as the United States’ next Surgeon General.”

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