Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy to be the U.S. surgeon general:

“Today the Senate put public health over special interests by voting to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy, a highly-qualified physician and public-health expert, to be the next surgeon general. The United States faces serious public health challenges and we need a top doctor on the job to help address them.

“Dr. Murthy has committed to reducing obesity and tobacco-related diseases, expanding access to treatment for mental illness, increasing vaccination rates and focusing on prevention and wellness in our communities. He has also rightly acknowledged the effects of gun violence on public health, which are seen daily by the thousands of health care professionals who treat victims of gun violence in emergency rooms across the country.

“I’m confident that Dr. Murthy will serve our country well and help Americans lead healthier lives.”

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