Senate HELP Committee holds hearing for HHS secretary nominee

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today held a hearing for Alex Azar, President Trump’s nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services. Azar, former president of Lilly USA and deputy HHS secretary under the George W. Bush administration, faced a number of questions from senators about his ties to the pharmaceutical industry and how he would tackle high drug prices. “I believe I can bring the skills and experiences to the table that can help us address these issues, while still encouraging discovery so Americans have access to high quality care,” Azar said. Trump nominated Azar for HHS secretary earlier this month. Tom Price, M.D., resigned as HHS secretary on Sept. 29. Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan has been serving as acting secretary. Azar will need to testify before the Senate Finance Committee, which has not announced a hearing date, before the full Senate votes on his appointment.