December 11,2008

Baucus Applauds Creation Of White House Office Of Health Reform, Formal Appointment Of Daschle As Secretary Of HHS

Chairman says New White House Office affirms reform as a top administration priority

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today on President-Elect Barack Obama’s formal nomination of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of theWhite House Office of Health Reform. Baucus said he looks forward to working with Daschle and Jeanne Lambrew, who will serve as Deputy Director of that office.

“President-Elect Obama’s creation of a White House Office of Health Reform is a strong affirmation that health reform is on the agenda for the Obama administration. I’ve said that reforming America’s broken health care system is my top priority for 2009 and this office only contributes to the momentum toward success. I said when Senator Daschle’s name first surfaced as the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services that he’d be a great pick because he knows health care and he knows congress. I look forward to working with him and Jeanne Lambrew to meet what I know is our shared goal of reforming America’s health care system."

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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