Confirming appointments by the Speaker of the House of Delegates.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 673 is a confirmation resolution. It approves two appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Delegates to the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority Board of Directors: Hem L. Bhardwaj, M.D., and Fay Manolios, both of Richmond. Each appointee is confirmed for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027.
The resolution does not create new policy, amend substantive law, or change the structure of the VCU Health System Authority. Its effect is limited to legislative confirmation of board membership under existing Virginia law, specifically the statute governing appointments to the authority board. By confirming these members, the General Assembly authorizes them to serve in governance and oversight roles for the health system during the stated term.
Impact
HJR673 has a narrow administrative impact: it completes the statutory appointment process for two members of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority Board of Directors. It affects the governance of VCU Health System by filling board seats, but it does not alter state law, appropriations, or health policy. The resolution primarily concerns the composition of a public university health system governing board and the authority of the Speaker of the House to make appointments subject to legislative confirmation.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows unanimous support in both chambers, with no recorded opposition in committee or on the floor. The House agreed to the resolution 98-0, and the Senate agreed 40-0 after the measure was reported from Rules and the reading was waived. The lack of committee transcripts or dissent suggests the resolution was viewed as routine and noncontroversial.
Contention
There is no evident substantive contention in the record. Because the measure is a confirmation resolution rather than a policy bill, any discussion would likely have centered on the qualifications or suitability of the appointees rather than on broader legal or political issues. The unanimous votes indicate that neither chamber raised significant objections to the Speaker’s appointments or to the confirmation process itself.