November 19,2008

Baucus Applauds Daschle As Potential HHS Secretary

Finance Chairman says former Majority Leader “knows health care, knows Congress”

Washington, DC — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented briefly today following news reports that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle may be nominated to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the incoming Obama Administration:

“This would be a great nomination by President-Elect Obama. Senator Daschle knows health care, he knows the Congress and the rhythms of the Senate in particular. I met today with my Finance and HELP Committee colleagues to talk about moving forward on comprehensive health reform in the next Congress, andwe agreed that action cannot wait. Having Senator Daschle at HHS and as the point person for the Obama Administration on health care would only improve the chances of success.”

The Senate Finance Committee is responsible for the confirmation of the Health and Human Services secretary, and for oversight of Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance program, and other Federal health programs.


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