Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today released the following statement on her opposition to Congressman Tom Price’s nomination to serve as Donald Trump’s Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
“Rep. Tom Price has spent his career working to weaken and dismantle basic programs and services that allow the Department of Health and Human Services to fulfill its mission. I cannot in good conscience support Rep. Price to lead HHS and put the health and safety of millions of Americans at risk. Instead of ensuring all Americans, regardless of age, race, gender, or economic status, have access to safe, affordable healthcare, Rep. Price would undo all of the progress made over the last seven years and harm millions of Americans. Furthermore, his actions in Congress – putting his economic interests over the interests of people he was elected to serve – is clear evidence that he will not do what’s best for the American people as HHS Secretary.
“Rep. Price would dramatically reduce access to healthcare for children, families and seniors by privatizing Medicare and turning Medicaid into a block grant program. He opposes increasing children’s access to healthcare through CHIP expansion, as well as the ability for young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they are 26. Rep. Price would restrict women’s access to preventative healthcare and family planning services.
“Because of the Affordable Care Act, over 370,000 Nevadans gained access to health coverage. Our uninsured rate among children has been reduced by over 50%. More than one million Nevadans – including over 160,000 children – are assured insurance coverage, despite having preexisting conditions. Billions in federal funds made possible by the law have allowed Nevada to expand mental health and substance abuse services, increase access to care in our rural communities, and cut costs of care and services for low-income families and seniors. Yet, despite this progress, Rep. Price remains adamant in his efforts to reduce the number of Americans with health insurance, repeal consumer protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, and increase deductibles and premiums.
“We need someone who will ensure HHS continues to serve in the best interest of the American people, not someone who wants to undo the very programs that have had a proven, positive impact on Americans’ physical and financial health.
“I will vote ‘no’ on his nomination and urge my Senate colleagues to do the same.”
###