President Bush's nominee for U.S. Surgeon General told Congress that smoking would be one of his three top priorities if confirmed and vowed to resign if he was asked to put politics before public health, the New York Times reported July 13.

Nominee James W. Holsinger told the Senate health committee during a confirmation hearing that "making America a tobacco-free nation," childhood obesity, and improving public-health responses to emergencies would be his top priorities if his nomination is approved.

Following testimony by former Bush administration surgeon general Richard Carmona about political pressure on his office, Holsinger was asked repeatedly if he would be able to stand up to such pressure if confirmed. He also was challenged about his stance on issues such as birth control and homosexuality.

"If I were faced with a situation that I felt I could not in good conscience do, I think I have a clear response to that. I would resign," Holsinger said.