WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today said that Dr. Tom Price, nominee to become Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), will play a critical role in stabilizing the health care market and putting our health care system back on track.

Speaking at Dr. Price’s nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Roberts emphasized Price’s critical role in effectively transitioning away from the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, and stabilizing the health care system.

“There is no doubt a lot of uncertainty and angst among consumers,” said Roberts. “I think it is important to make clear that 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 the markets are nearly nonexistent - with few to no options in several states and counties.”

To watch video of Senator Roberts’ full exchange with Price, click the image below.

He went on to discuss his concern with the federal government’s ability to ration care under Obamacare, “interrupting the doctor-patient relationship and allowing government to dictate what coverage you can receive.”

Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, also discussed the need to prioritize food safety under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and decrease the number of ineffective, unrealistic regulations, which falls under Price’s jurisdiction.

Roberts said, “While we all share the goal of a safe food supply and the availability of accurate information for consumers, I am concerned that the Obama administration has not clearly, or consistently, communicated with the food and agriculture industry regarding new or changing requirements.”

Senator Roberts is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Finance, which will also hold a hearing on Price’s nomination.

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