WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today said Congressman Tom Price M.D., nominee to become Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), understands the unique needs of rural health care providers and will work to reduce the regulatory burden hindering quality access to care in rural areas.

Speaking at Dr. Price’s nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Roberts said, “I am reassured to have someone nominated to this important agency who has actually delivered care – a doctor – to step into this role and help us out of the mess we have found ourselves in. We all share the goal of reducing the regulatory burden on our providers – allowing them the freedom to practice medicine - while also being good stewards of our scarce taxpayer dollars.”

Roberts also questioned Dr. Price on repealing and replacing Obamacare. He said, “Even if Congress and the incoming administration were to do nothing amending or repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act, the law is not working. The prices are unaffordable and markets nearly nonexistent - with few to no options in several states and counties.”

To watch video of Senator Roberts’ full exchange with Price, click here. 

Senator Roberts is a member of both the Senate Committee on Finance and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), which also held a hearing on Price’s nomination. Roberts is Co-Chairman of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.