WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., yesterday voted against the confirmation of Vivek Murthy for Surgeon General.  The Senate approved Dr. Murthy’s nomination by a vote of 51-43.

“The Surgeon General’s job is to help inform the public on health and wellness issues, not to lead political crusades against the Second Amendment or to promote Obamacare,” Wicker said. “Dr. Murthy lacks the experience necessary to carry out the duties of this office.”

Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, who ran for the Senate as a Democrat in 2012, also expressed concerns about Dr. Murthy’s absence of qualifications saying that he has “…no significant related leadership experience and no formal public health training or experience.”

Dr. Murthy has described curbing gun ownership as “the defining health issue of our time” and advocates strict gun control laws. He also testified at his confirmation hearing that it would be within his responsibilities as Surgeon General to promote the Affordable Care Act.