Sebelius’ Resignation

To many DC insiders and the American public, the resignation of the embattled Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, is no surprise. According to yesterday’s edition of the New York Times, after accepting this resignation, the President will nominate Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, as a replacement.  The Times offered telling insight into the resignation – “Officials said Ms. Sebelius, 65, made the decision to resign and was not forced out. But the frustration at the White House over her performance had become increasingly clear, as administration aides worried that the crippling problems at HealthCare.gov, the website set up to enroll Americans in insurance exchanges, would result in lasting damage to the president’s legacy.” While the Administration may view this change as a renewal of sorts, others believe that this new appointee will simply maintain the status quo.