Mr. Azar’s nomination was confirmed 55 votes to 43, with all but one Republican voting in favor of the nomination, along with six Democrats and one Independent. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the lone Republican to vote against Mr. Azar’s nomination.
Many Democrats rallied against Mr. Azar’s nomination because of his previous experience as president of drugmaker Eli Lilly’s U.S. division, which they believe will limit his ability to reform prescription drug policy.
“Mr. Azar’s nomination is a perfect encapsulation of the president’s broken promises on prescription drugs and healthcare overall,” Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said on the Senate floor Tuesday, according to Reuters.
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