July 22,2025

Crapo Statement at Treasury, HHS Nominations Hearing

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a nomination hearing to consider Jonathan McKernan to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury and Alex Adams of Idaho to be Assistant Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary for Family Support.

 

As prepared for delivery:

 

“Thank you to our nominees, Mr. McKernan and Dr. Adams, for being here today. Congratulations on your nominations and thank you both for your willingness to serve.

 

“Today, we will first hear from Jonathan McKernan who is nominated to serve as the Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Treasury Department.

 

“The Domestic Finance office develops policies and guidance for Treasury Department activities in areas involving financial institutions, federal debt finance, financial regulation and capital markets. Sensible guidance in these areas better ensures financial stability and the growth and resilience of our economy.

 

“Mr. McKernan has a demonstrated track record of support for sound and balanced regulation. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Mr. McKernan opposed burdensome rulemakings, such as the Basel III Endgame Proposal, which would have hindered economic growth and reduced lending to households and businesses.

 

“He also served in senior advisory roles on the staff of the Senate Banking Committee, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Treasury Department.

 

“Mr. McKernan, I look forward to working with you, if confirmed, to bolster and protect our domestic financial system.

 

“We will also hear from Dr. Alex Adams--from Eagle, Idaho--who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, which oversees the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

 

“ACF plays a vital role in supporting some of America’s most vulnerable populations, including foster care and adoption assistance, both of which have garnered bipartisan interest from this Committee. It is imperative that this agency is led by someone with a deep understanding of these complex issues, a commitment to sound fiscal management, and a proven track record of delivering results.

 

“Dr. Adams’ service as the Director of Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare has prepared him to lead ACF. He has overseen a staff of nearly 3,000 individuals and an annual budget of $5.5 billion and delivered clear results for Idahoans.

 

“As Director, Dr. Adams placed a strong emphasis on child welfare, working with the Idaho State Legislature to enact laws to extend foster care to age 23, allow kin-specific licensing standards, and enhance time to permanency.

 

“Dr. Adams also has a strong record on budget and efficiency, having served as Governor Little’s budget and regulatory director. He has demonstrated a keen eye toward fiscal responsibility, reducing regulatory burden and maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars. This experience will be invaluable as he oversees the varied programs under ACF's purview.

 

“His nomination has also received letters of support from a broad range of different stakeholders, which I request to be entered into the record.

 

“Thank you again to our nominees for their time today.”