House leaders applauded President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Price is an orthopedic surgeon who currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and chairs the House Budget Committee.
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) called Price the perfect choice to lead HHS.
“Tom Price has made health care his life’s work,” Ryan said. “As a doctor, he has practiced and taught medicine, and he knows exactly how Washington’s decisions affect patients. As a legislator, he has played a leading role in developing conservative health care solutions that put patients first.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said Price has dedicated his career to improving health care for all Americans.
“Dr. Price’s unique experience, clear understanding of health and budget policy issues, and strong work ethic have been invaluable assets to our committee,” Brady said. “Tom’s leadership will ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services delivers real results for the American people, whether it’s improving the way we access health care or reforming key programs designed to assist the most vulnerable.”
Price has said much work needs to be done to ensure the United States has a health care system that works for patients, families and doctors, that leads the world in the cure of diseases and that is based on sensible rules.
He has been a strong critic of Obamacare, calling it a “broken, unaffordable law,” and has championed House Republicans’ A Better Way agenda to solve the nation’s health care challenges.
“With Dr. Price at the helm, I know we will see meaningful reforms that the American people want and need, said Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Fred Upton (R-MI).
“I congratulate Dr. Price on this new endeavor, and look forward to continuing working together to improve the state of health care in America,” Upton said.