FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON—America’s Essential Hospitals supports the nomination of Xavier Becerra as the next secretary of health and human services, and we applaud the incoming Biden administration for its other choices to lead key federal health care agencies and initiatives.
Becerra has an admirable track record as a champion for access to health care coverage, including as a proponent for and defender of the Affordable Care Act. As the nation struggles with the health and economic consequences of COVID-19—and a burgeoning need for lifesaving care—this experience makes him well suited to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
We also welcome Becerra’s experience as a U.S. representative and, in particular, as a member of a key committee with jurisdiction over health care matters, the House Committee on Ways and Means. It will be important for the administration and Congress to work together closely throughout the coming year as the nation navigates and emerges from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
President-elect Joe Biden has made other commendable choices for health care policy leaders, including his nominations of Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, as director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS, as COVID-19 Equity Task Force chair; and Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, as U.S. surgeon general.
America’s Essential Hospitals looks forward to Becerra’s confirmation and a valuable and productive relationship with him and his colleagues at HHS.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
