WASHINGTON, D.C.–The new surgeon general for the United States is Dr. Vivek Murthy, the founder and president of Doctors for America, an organization that supports health care reform and which essentially promoted Obama Care. To U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) that’s a reason to object to his confirmation. Wicker voted no.
The final vote to confirm Murthy was 51 to 43 in the Senate.
“The Surgeon General’s job is to help inform the public on health and wellness issues, not to lead political crusades against the Second Amendment or to promote Obamacare,” said Wicker. “Dr. Murthy lacks the experience necessary to carry out the duties of this office.”
Murthy is also known for his statements that said gun violence is a threat to public health, which prompted the National Rifle Association to object to his appointment. Murthy has said he does not plan to use the position of surgeon general to lead any strong push against gun rights.
But, those are not the only two reasons his confirmation has some people upset.
Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, who ran for the Senate as a Democrat in 2012, also expressed concerns about Murthy’s absence of qualifications saying that he has “…no significant related leadership experience and no formal public health training or experience.”
Murthy has described curbing gun ownership as “the defining health issue of our time” and advocates strict gun control laws. He also testified at his confirmation hearing that it would be within his responsibilities as Surgeon General to promote the Affordable Care Act, according to a statement from Wicker’s camp.
