Isakson Applauds Price's Confirmation to Lead Health Department

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today applauded U.S. Representative Tom Price, M.D., R-Ga.-06, on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by a vote of 52-47 in the U.S. Senate. Isakson has championed Price's nomination and helped usher him through the confirmation process in the U.S. Senate.

"As I have said all along, Tom Price is the right man, at the right time, for the right job," said Isakson, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. "After enduring new levels of obstruction and partisan political games designed to slow down his confirmation, Tom can now get to work and focus on the task of replacing the failed Obamacare with sustainable, free-market principles."

"I'm committed to working with Tom to return authority back to the states to design their own health care markets and see to it that Americans once again have health insurance coverage at a competitive and affordable price," Isakson continued. "Tom will lead our top health agency with the expertise that every American would hope for and will help ensure that our health care policies focus on the needs of patients."

Prior to the final vote, Isakson spoke on the floor of the Senate to encourage senators in both parties to support Price's nomination, touting Price's qualifications for the position.

The Senate Committee on Finance approved Price's nomination last week by a 14-0 margin, after Senate Democrats boycotted the vote. Isakson led the charge to override the boycott after sharply addressing his colleagues in the committee, arguing that the Democrats should do their job of casting an up-or-down vote.

Isakson introduced Price at his hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on Jan. 24, 2017, as well as at Price's first hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Jan. 18, 2017.

Isakson penned an op-ed in support of Price's nomination to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that ran in USA Today on Jan. 25, 2017, titled "The Price is Right."

Isakson also defended Price on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Jan. 17, 2017, regarding Price's strong ethics and argued that Price's credentials are unquestioned and that he is eminently qualified for the position to which he was nominated. Price is expected to play a large role in the replacement of former president Obama's terribly flawed health care law in the months ahead.

Price's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which Price has held since 2005, was previously held by Isakson.

Source