Senate Finance Committee holds nominations hearing for HHS IG, Social Security Deputy Commissioner

The Senate Finance Committee Oct. 29 held a hearing on the nominations of Thomas March Bell to be inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, Arjun Mody to be deputy commissioner of Social Security, Jeffrey Goettman to be deputy United States Trade Representative (of Africa, Western Hemisphere, Europe, the Middle East, Environment, Labor and Industrial Competitiveness), and Julie Callahan to be chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the USTR. Opening statements on the nominees were made by Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., followed by questions from all committee members. Bell currently serves as senior counsel to the House Administration Committee. His prior federal service includes positions with the Senate Judiciary Committee and the HHS Office of Civil Rights.