Feinstein: Confirm Daschle

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has the full support of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in his nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services, Feinstein said today in a public statement.

“I know of no one with higher integrity than Tom Daschle, and I know of no one more qualified to be Secretary of Health and Human Services than Tom Daschle,” Feinstein said. “I understand that there are concerns being raised regarding mistakes he has already corrected. But I strongly believe Tom Daschle merits confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has my full support.”

Daschle’s nomination, which was expected to be confirmed easily in the upper chamber, became a controversial one yesterday with the revelation that Daschle failed to pay over $100,000 in taxes.

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) issued a similar statement of public support yesterday, while Senate Republicans have voiced concerns about Daschle in light of his failure to pay taxes.