HHS Still Without a Leader

Washington, DC (Feb. 3)-Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle withdrew his name from consideration for US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“But if 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction…. Right now, I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction,” he said in a written statement.

Nominated by President Obama in early December, Daschle has been clouded by negative press after it was reported that he owed more than $140,000 in back taxes and interest for the years 2005-2007. Daschle has now paid the owed taxes, but many questioned his credibility and also raised ethical concerns over the reported sizeable income he’s received from healthcare groups since leaving the Senate in 2004.

 “I will not be the architect of America’s health system reform, but I remain one of its most fervent supporters,” said Daschle in his statement.

It is now up to President Obama to select another nominee to head HHS.