Bush names new Cabinet pick

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- President Bush named environmental chief and former Gov. Michael Leavitt Monday to take over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Leavitt, if confirmed by the Senate, would replace Tommy Thompson as head of the department that manages more than 300 federal programs, including Medicare.

"Last year I welcomed Mike to my Cabinet as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency," Bush said. "In that office he has enforced high standards in a spirit of cooperation and with good common sense. He has upheld this administration's commitment to sustained improvements in the quality of the natural environment. He has managed the EPA with skill and with a focus on results.

"He's an ideal choice to lead one of the largest departments of the United States government."

Bush Monday did not name a replacement for Leavitt, who was governor of Utah before going to the EPA.

Thompson, a former governor of Wisconsin, resigned last month after serving during Bush's entire first term.