Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of
the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, delivered the following remarks at hearing
to consider the nominations of Jay Shambaugh for Treasury Under Secretary for
International Affairs and Rebecca Haffajee for Health and Human Services
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.
The
text of Ranking Member Crapo’s remarks, as prepared, is below.
“Thank you, Senator Wyden. “Welcome Dr. Shambaugh and Dr. Haffajee and congratulations
on your nominations.
“Dr. Shambaugh, in terms of tax issues, the OECD
negotiations could have significant international economic consequences and
this important position could be involved in advising on the economic effects
of the OECD agreement and projected implementation.
“I hope you will share your insights on the effect of the
OECD agreement on U.S. businesses and U.S. revenue and any other analysis of
the potential effects of the OECD agreement. Additionally, I look forward
to hearing your perspectives on the current international economic environment,
including the interplay between fiscal policy, energy policy, and the 40-year
high inflation which is afflicting Americans today.
“Turning to Dr. Haffajee, you have written extensively on
the health impacts of marijuana legalization, opioid addiction treatment, and
public health emergencies, among other issues. Please share your
perspectives on these issues, as well as how, should you be confirmed, you will
challenge the Administration to evaluate programs in these and other areas
fairly and with close attention to what the facts indicate, rather than what
political agendas might dictate.
“I remind both nominees that the success of the Departments
of Treasury and Health and Human Services depends on a strong partnership with
Congress, which includes transparency and consultation with our offices.
This is true not just because of the authority Congress has delegated, but
because members are well positioned to understand the needs of our
constituents.
“I ask both nominees today to confirm that they will be
attentive to members of this Committee, and indeed the broader Senate, should
they be confirmed.
“I look forward to hearing the nominees’ testimony and their
responses to questions.”