US President Obama Fills Cabinet after First 100 Days in Office

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius (L) waits to be sworn in with White House executive clerk Tim Sanders (C) and President Barack Obama (R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC, USA. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Barack Obama marks Wednesday, April 29, 2009, his first 100 days in office as President of the United States of America.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, the Obama Administration cabinet was finally filled as the Senate voted 65 to 31 to confirm former Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services.

While the Republicans have been opposed to Sebelius's appointment over her support for abortion, the potential outbreak of a swine flu epidemic has led them to accede to her nomination, the Washington Post reported.

Much of Obama's first 100 days were marked by controversies over his cabinet appointments, including three nominees who withdrew - two nominees for Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Daschle and Judd Gregg, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who was nominated for Secretary of Commerce.

The Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, was also controversial over tax issues but was eventually confirmed by the Senate.

Obama's first 100 days have been dominated by tackling the effects of the global financial and economic crisis as well as foreign policy initiatives including setting August 2010 for end of combat operations in Iraq, refocusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan in fighting Al Qaeda, affirming the US partnership with Europe on NATO's 60th birthday, reaching out to Iran, as well as to Latin America, as symbolized by a much discussed handshake with Venezuela President Hugo Chavez.

Other notable decisions of Obama's include the closing down of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, condemning the use of torture, and endorsing human rights.

President Barack Obama is enjoying high public support after his 100 days in office. A recent CNN poll released this week shows 63% of American voters approve of how he is doing his job, and 75% believe he has the personality and leadership qualities for the job. 57 % say they agree with the President on the issues that matter most to them.