Sylvia Burwell's confirmation process to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been unusually smooth. While some Republicans are expected to oppose her on the floor in early June, at least as many others have showered her with glowing praise. The current White House budget director can thank filibuster reform, which gave Senate Democrats the ability to approve her nomination with a simple majority vote. Burwell is also benefitting from a wave of good news for the healthcare law, which has led Republicans to tone down their rhetoric.
