The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Kathleen Sebelius's nomination as the health and human services secretary as the nation is gearing up for the outbreak of the swine flu.

By voting 65-31, the Senate sent Sebelius to the key post to lead the response to the ongoing health challenge.

"She's a problem solver, and that's what Congress needs in a partner for health care reform," Democratic Senator Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement.

"I look forward to working with the governor to create the high quality, low cost, easily accessible health care system America needs," he said.

The former Kansas governor's nomination triggered a controversy among Republican lawmakers for her tax issue and acceptance of campaign funds from a doctor who has allegedly perform late-term abortions.

However, two independents and nine Republicans joined the Democratic camp in the Senate in voting to approve her nomination.

The new health and human services secretary came as President Barack Obama's administration is expecting its first 100-day anniversary.

Obama's first choice for the post, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, withdrew amid a controversy over unpaid taxes.