Trump Nominates Price To Lead Department of Health and Human Services

ROSWELL, GA -- A familiar face around north Fulton County and the U.S. House of Representatives has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve in one his administration's cabinet posts.

The team announced early Tuesday that Rep. Tom Price, a Republican representing Georgia's 6th Congressional District, was nominated by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

"It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services," Rep. Price said in a prepared statement. Thanks to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence for their confidence."

Rep. Price went on to say that he is "humbled" by the challenges that lay ahead and is enthusiastic for the chance to be "part of solving them on behalf of the American people."

"There is much work to be done to ensure we have a health care system that works for patients, families, and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit.

"The citizens of Georgia's Sixth Congressional District have given me the privilege of representing them in Congress. I am so proud and grateful to live in and work on behalf of such a wonderful community and hope to continue serving our fellow citizens in this new role.”

An orthopaedic surgeon, Rep. Price spent more than 20 years caring for patients in the metro Atlanta area. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Price is the chairman of the Committee on the Budget and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, including the Subcommittee on Health.

He was first elected to 6th Congressional District seat in November 2004, representing north Fulton County and the DeKalb cities of Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Chamblee.

Before that, Rep. Price served four terms in the Georgia State Senate. He and wife Betty, who represents District 48 in the Georgia House of Representatives, live in Roswell, Ga., and have one son.

FreedomWorks, an organization dedicated to promoting principles such as limited government, lower taxes and free markets, praised Trump's pick of Price. CEO Adam Brandon said Rep. Price is well aware of the "damage ObamaCare has caused" to the American healthcare system.

"He has already shown real leadership on health care reform by leading the effort to repeal this law," he said. "He has also shown a commitment to replacing it by introducing a patient-centered alternative, the Empowering Patients First Act. We know repealing ObamaCare and replacing it won’t be an easy task, but Chairman Price is the right person to lead this effort in the incoming administration.”

Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson agrees, adding Price "will bring real world experience and a single-minded focus on the needs of patients to this vital role."

"Tom doesn't just talk about replacing Obamacare -- he's put years of thought and hard work into developing a plan that can actually make health care more affordable and accessible," Isakson said in a statement. "By nominating Tom to fill this post, President-elect Trump is signaling his commitment to repealing Obamacare. With Tom at the helm, we can begin implementing free-market principles that will increase choice and lower the cost of health care for families and businesses."

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