Becerra's 1st hearing finishes with little drama
The first hearing for Biden's pick to head the Department of Health and Human services, Xavier Becerra, ended Tuesday afternoon with little drama or contentious back-and-forths with Republicans despite their clear opposition to him on policy issues like abortion and health care.
Democratic senators highlighted Becerra's potential to make history as the first Latino to lead the department and his experience leading massive departments and in policy as a congressman for 24 years.
Only a handful of Republicans told Becerra to his face that they didn’t think he had the public health experience for the job, one of the key criticisms ahead of the hearing.
![PHOTO: Folders detailing the COVID vaccine plans for states are stacked on a table during a confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Xavier Becerra, Feb. 23, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/Politics/becerra-covid-plans-ap-jef-210223_1614100597201_hpEmbed_22x15_992.jpg)
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell sharply criticized him to reporters as the hearing was ongoing. But McConnell’s remarks were a reminder: Being cordial at a hearing doesn’t mean Republicans are going to vote for Becerra.
Becerra will head to the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday at 2 p.m, which will advance a vote on his confirmation to the Senate floor.
-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett