Crapo Statement at HHS Nominations Hearing

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider James O'Neill to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Gary Andres to be an Assistant Secretary of HHS. 

As prepared for delivery:

“Today, we meet to consider the nominations of Mr. Jim O’Neill to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Mr. Gary Andres to serve as the Department’s Assistant Secretary for Legislation.  Congratulations on your nominations.

“Thank you, both, for meeting with bipartisan members and our staff throughout this process.  These conversations have provided us the opportunity to highlight our priorities and learn more about how each of you would approach your roles at HHS.

“During the hearings for Secretary Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Oz, I noted the size and scope of the Department, as well as the importance of the programs it oversees to millions of Americans.

“If confirmed, you will play an integral role in managing the Department, coordinating and communicating across often-siloed agencies and with Capitol Hill.

“In many ways, our health care system reflects a bureaucratic, disjointed Department.  Well-intended programs and initiatives can be conflicting, confusing and, in practice, ineffective.

“While this dynamic presents significant challenges, it also offers opportunities for transformative solutions that benefit patients, providers, innovators and taxpayers.

“Much like HHS, patients are best-served when our health care system functions as a team, relying on a variety of provider perspectives and talents to deliver patient-centered, high-quality outcomes.  By rethinking the outdated strategy of late-stage, symptom-based care, we can address the underlying causes of chronic conditions that drive up costs for patients and taxpayers.

“Having previously served at the Department, Mr. O’Neill understands the multifaceted nature of HHS and the importance of internal collaboration to accomplishing shared goals.  If confirmed, he will have cross-cutting insight into the efforts of each division within the Department, allowing him to integrate effective actions to make our health care system more proactive.

“Mr. Andres is a veteran of Capitol Hill and has a deep understanding of how to implement a successful legislative agenda.  I am confident he will be an asset to Congress as we seek input on the development of legislation and updates on departmental actions.

“Americans deserve a transparent, responsive health care system that empowers consumer choice, drives competition-spurring innovation and rewards values.  This Committee has taken bipartisan steps to achieve these goals by acting to reform our prescription drug supply chain, fix our broken clinician payment system and expand access to mental health in rural areas, including through telehealth. 

“If confirmed, I look forward to continuing those efforts with each of you.

“Thank you, both, for your willingness to serve.”

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