STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON SURGEON GENERAL NOMINATION

WASHINGTON, D.C— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Health,Education, Labor and Pensions Committee released the following statement in response to thenomination of Dr. James Holsinger for Surgeon General. “America faces major public health challenges -- TB, health disparities, the growing crisis ofobesity, and many more. The nation needs a Surgeon General who can bring people togetherto meet these critical challenges. I am disappointed that the Administration looked past themany talented physicians who have a record of bringing people together and instead chose anindividual whose record appears to guarantee a polarizing and divisive nomination process.Our Committee has the responsibility to assess whether Dr. Holsinger can serve effectivelyas Surgeon General for all Americans, and we will hold a hearing in the coming weeks todetermine whether to recommend that the Senate approve or reject his nomination." ###