Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra is an American politician and attorney serving as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 33rd Attorney General of California and represented California in the United States House of Representatives for over two decades. Becerra is the first Latino to hold the position of HHS Secretary.

Early Life and Education

Xavier Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, to working-class immigrant parents from Mexico. He attended C. K. McClatchy High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Stanford University. He subsequently received a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where he was an editor of the Stanford Law Review. His early legal career included work as a deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice and as a legislative aide in the California State Senate.

Career

Becerra's political career began with his election to the California State Assembly in 1990, representing parts of Los Angeles County. In 1992, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, succeeding longtime Representative Edward R. Roybal. During his tenure in Congress, he served on influential committees including the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Budget Committee. He also held leadership roles, rising to become chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and later the House Democratic Caucus.

Attorney General of California

Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2017 to succeed Kamala Harris, Becerra became the first Latino to serve as Attorney General of California. His tenure was marked by aggressive legal challenges to the policies of the Trump administration, particularly on issues of health care, immigration, and environmental regulation. He led or joined over 100 lawsuits against the federal government, including major cases defending the Affordable Care Act and challenging the Public Charge Rule. He also focused on consumer protection, pursuing actions against companies like Equifax and Wells Fargo.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Nominated by President Joe Biden in December 2020, Becerra's confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services faced significant Republican opposition over his limited direct experience in health care management. He was confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2021. As Secretary, he has overseen the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rollout of vaccines and testing. His department has also been central to implementing Biden's health policy agenda, defending the Affordable Care Act, and addressing issues like prescription drug prices and maternal health.

Political Positions and Controversies

Throughout his career, Becerra has been a staunch advocate for progressive policies, including universal health care, abortion rights, and gun control. As Attorney General of California, his numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration made him a prominent figure in the resistance movement. His confirmation as HHS Secretary was contentious, with critics questioning his qualifications and pointing to his support for single-payer healthcare and his legal defense of California's abortion notification laws. He has also been involved in debates over Medicare expansion, the Title X family planning program, and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Health and Human Services Category:Attorneys General of California Category:California Democrats