In a vote of 13 to 12 Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee advanced the nomination of Seema Verma to serve as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator.
Verma's confirmation will now go before a full vote of the Senate.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch delayed the vote for a day due to a lack of members present and a tie vote. Yesterday those present voted 9 to 9 to advance Verma's nomination. By proxy, the vote was 15 in favor to 11 against, but proxy votes do not count.
[Also: Committee vote tied for Seema Verma confirmation due to proxy votes]
The Senate Finance Committee is made up of 14 Republicans, including Hatch, and 12 Democrats.
[Also: In questionnaire, Seema Verma explains dual role working for private company, state of Indiana]
Hatch of Utah said by statement, "The challenges plaguing both Medicare and Medicaid require a strong partnership between the administration and Congress to improve these programs and help enact the necessary reforms to ensure their solvency for future generations. Ms. Verma will help facilitate that partnership and as we work to repeal and replace Obamacare, she will play a vital role in realigning the focus on patient-centered solutions. I look forward to her nomination being considered by the full Senate."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse