Hartford – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today called on the United States Senate to confirm immediately Dr. Vivek Murthy as the Surgeon General of the United States. There has been no full-time, Senate-confirmed Surgeon General since July 2013 when Dr. Regina Benjamin resigned.

“Since the first diagnosis of Ebola in the United States late last month, inaccurate information and half truths about the virus have proliferated, undermining the tremendous, successful work of public health professionals. We must remain vigilant in combatting this deadly virus, and much of that effort requires leadership from the Surgeon General – ‘the nation’s doctor’ – to increase public understanding not just of Ebola, but all diseases and health concerns. Not having a recognizable, trusted source available to convey critical information, debunk erroneous claims, and assuage fears has put us at a severe disadvantage in a time of great need. As the government assembles a team led by Ron Klain to respond to Ebola, now is the time to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy as the next U.S. Surgeon General. The position of Surgeon General exists exactly for these moments – times when misinformation about a deadly virus spreads far faster than the virus itself,” Murphy and Blumenthal stated.