Murthy, Doctor Opposed for Gun Comments, Confirmed as Surgeon General
His confirmation was delayed amid opposition from Republicans and the National Rifle Association.
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The Senate confirmed Vivek Murthy, a physician who has called gun violence a public health issue, as U.S. surgeon general more than a year after President Barack Obama chose him for the job.
The vote was 51-43 on one of the Senate’s last work days before Democrats turn the majority over to Republicans in January. After Obama nominated Murthy in November 2013, his confirmation was delayed amid opposition from Republicans and the National Rifle Association, a Fairfax, Virginia-based pro-gun lobby.