The swine flu outbreak has prompted news outlets and bloggers to take a harder look at the Republican obstructionism that's blocked the confirmation of an HHS Secretary. Many noticed that on Sunday, when White House officials briefed the press on the spread of the virus, the official who spoke was not the Health and Human Services Secretary (whose confirmation is stalled in the Senate), but Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security.

Joe Sudbay at AMERICAblog rips into the partisan posturing of Republican Senators:

This is vintage GOP obstruction. In the few days since the GOP Senators launched their filibuster, it's become clear that we may be facing a major health threat. The key government departments and agencies are gathering to plot strategy. Absent is a Secretary of Health and Human Services.

....

If the Republicans want to further obstruct that nomination, make them actually filibuster it...Let them all vote to further prevent the nation from having a Secretary of Health and Human Services -- when we're in the midst of a public health emergency and preparing for a possible pandemic.

Sudbay points out that Republican politicking continues, even amidst the current swine flu crisis. Republicans have secured eight full hours of debate on Tuesday, most of which will be chock-full of speeches on the nominee. That means that while more cases of swine flu are appearing worldwide, Republican Senators will be speechifying over the HHS nominee on the Senate floor.

Instead of waiting until Tuesday afternoon to vote on an HHS Secretary, Sudbay has a suggestion for Majority Leader Reid: At 2pm today, when the Sentate convenes regular order, Sen. Reid "should move for an up-or-down vote" on whether to confirm Gov. Sebelius. In addition to pressure from bloggers, we've been running a petition to the Senate calling on a swift confirmation of Gov. Sebelius. If you're concerned about those who place politics above the health and safety of our nation, please add your name.