Azar is respected by both Republicans and Democrats, and his service makes him well qualified for this new role
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on today’s confirmation of Alex Azar to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“Mr. Azar is respected by both Republicans and Democrats and has been unanimously confirmed twice before by the United States Senate. His knowledge and service at the Department of Health and Human Services makes him well qualified for this new role.
“I met with Mr. Azar to discuss my concerns over government transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer money and prescription drug prices. During our meeting, he assured me that encouraging competition in the health care and pharmaceutical industries and stemming the tide of rising drug prices would be among his top priorities.
“I raised with Mr. Azar the importance of whistleblowers, the role they play to keep government accountable and the need to protect them against retribution for their bravery in exposing waste, fraud and abuse. Mr. Azar responded that he wanted to foster a culture at the department that supports whistleblowers and their efforts to keep the department honest.
“I congratulate Mr. Azar on his confirmation and look forward to working with him.”
Grassley met with Azar late last year and received commitments on transparency and protecting taxpayer dollars during Azar’s nomination hearing earlier this month.
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