law school, said Mr. Acosta was unbiased and did not let his political views color his professional decisions. Facing the Senate Health, Education. Labor and Pensions Committee in March. Mr. Acosta defended himself against Democrats who voiced concerns that he might allow conservative political ideologues to shape the depar

plea deal to a wealthy New Yorker accused of paying underage girls for sexual acts. For nearly three hours in front of the Senate Health. Education. Labor and Pensions Committee. Mr. Acosta. 48. defended his record. explained how he might deal with budget cuts to the department and dismissed the concerns of several senators

rance programs for sick people passed, thanks to a conservative revolt. This week, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, acknowledged to Politico that Republicans might choose not to come together=on a plan at all. Perhaps Alexander realizes that putting together a re