In response to news that President-Elect Joe Biden intends to nominate California AG Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Protect Our Care’s Coronavirus War Room Director Zac Petkanas released the following statement:
“With the country battling skyrocketing coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths, having a trusted and proven leader at the helm of our public health infrastructure is crucial.
“Xavier Becerra’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services meets the urgency of the moment and he will join a long line of well-respected public health experts in the incoming Biden administration who will work tirelessly to defeat this deadly disease.
“As Attorney General of California, he fought the pandemic by putting key public health and safety workplace protections in place, pushed to make life saving drugs more affordable, and fought to secure local and state funding as part of the CARES Act.
“Now, as the nation’s number one health official, Attorney General Becerra will play a crucial role in putting together a national vaccination program, boosting our testing infrastructure and increasing PPE production for the essential workers who desperately need it.
“America is extremely fortunate to have Becerra taking a lead role in the pandemic’s response and President-elect Biden should be congratulated for making such a wise choice during this period of global crisis.”