On August 3 , 2001 , Azar was confirmed to be the General Counsel of the United States Department of Health and Human Services . Azar played an important role in responding to the 2001 anthrax attacks , making sure there was a vaccine ready for smallpox , and dealing with outbreaks of SARS and influenza . On July 22 , 2005 , Azar was confirmed as the United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services . He was twice confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate
2001 anthrax attacks
2001 anthrax attacks
Alex Azar