HHS’s Xavier Becerra, once an ‘invisible’ secretary, is racing to cement a clearer legacy
Health secretary Xavier Becerra, once ‘invisible,’ is finally making inroads with the White House. Is it enough to change his legacy for the consequential position?
WASHINGTON — He’s been called the “invisible” secretary. So far removed from the White House sphere of influence that he’s rarely spotted there, even at health care events. Once, officials openly discussed who might be better for the job.
Now, however, health secretary Xavier Becerra is making inroads with the president’s closest advisers. After years on the outs with Susan Rice, Biden’s first domestic policy advisor, Becerra has weekly meetings with her replacement, Neera Tanden, people familiar with their discussions said. He also is speaking regularly with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, according to people who know his schedule.
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