Trump Taps Tom Price to Head Health and Human Services

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning his intention to nominate Congressman Tom Price (R-Georgia) to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. Price represents Georgia’s 6th Congressional District and is the chairman of the House Budget Committee.

“Chairman Price, a renowned physician, has earned a reputation for being a tireless problem solver and the go-to expert on healthcare policy, making him the ideal choice to serve in this capacity,” Trump said in a released statement. “He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American. I am proud to nominate him as Secretary of Health and Human Services.”

“It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Thanks to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence for their confidence,” Price said. “I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people. There is much work to be done to ensure we have a healthcare system that works for patients, families, and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit.”

The announcement was praised by conservative groups in Washington, DC.

“Getting rid of ObamaCare requires a doctor’s care. Chairman Price, a surgeon, knows what is ailing America’s health care system and the damage ObamaCare has caused. He has already shown real leadership on health care reform by leading the effort to repeal this law. He has also shown a commitment to replacing it by introducing a patient-centered alternative, the Empowering Patients First Act,” Adam Brandon, CEO of FreedomWorks, said in a released statement.

“We know repealing ObamaCare and replacing it won’t be an easy task, but Chairman Price is the right person to lead this effort in the incoming administration.”

“Representative Tom Price is an excellent choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has an 100 percent pro-life record and is well positioned to champion truly comprehensive health care.  He helped lead the charge to defund Planned Parenthood through budget reconciliation, setting the stage for President-elect Trump and a pro-life Congress to reallocate those funds to support comprehensive women’s healthcare. As HHS Secretary, he will play a key role in developing a robust health care reform proposal that protects life and consciences, while promoting options for low-income individuals and families,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony List, said in a released statement.

Price worked as an orthopedic surgeon for 20 years. He was an assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Orthopedic Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, teaching resident doctors in training. He received his Bachelor and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Michigan and completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Emory University.

Price served in the Georgia State Senate for four terms prior to being elected to Congress. For two of those terms he served as the minority whip. In 2002 he led a Republican takeover of the Georgia Senate, and was the state’s first Republican Senate Majority Leader. He was then elected to Congress in 2004.

Along with chairing the House Budget Committee, Price also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. He has also served as the Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee and Republican Study Committee. While in Congress he has been a leader fighting for sound health care policy, limited government and eliminating government waste.