A Senate panel on Wednesday approved President Barack Obama's recommendation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell for the next secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports the Los Angeles Times. While three Republicans voted against Mahews Burwell, eight gave the OK along with all 13 Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee. Burwell worked in the Clinton White House, was part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and heads the Office of Management and Budget. Despite Republican opposition to the healthcare reform law, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said Burwell will be responsive to lawmakers, while Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called her an "excellent choice." Burwell is set to replace former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, after Sebelius resigned last month. Article