The Case for Tom Price, MD

Being the head of a federal agency is a different thing than having experience in what that agency is supposed to regulate or manage. It’s not a requirement, but it’s usually a good thing, and one reason why Rep. Tom Price (currently my congressman) should be confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services -and hopefully without the drama and gamesmanship some of the other nominations have seen. An op-ed in the Washington Examiner points out that

“It may come as surprise to most, but — if confirmed — Price would be only the third physician in the history of the United States government to serve in this distinguished role. The last doctor to oversee HHS was Dr. Louis Wade Sullivan, who served in the George H.W. Bush Administration.” 

It’s worth reading the whole thing, which makes the case for Price as very well qualified for secretary of HHS, not only as a physician, but also as chair of the Budget Committee in the House and a member of Ways and Means. His nomination has been held up and taken longer than the confirmation of President Obama’s two two nominations to that post combined. And there’s this:

“Too often in Washington, it seems as if the individuals calling the shots on critical issues that have sweeping impact for Americans across the country are career politicians rather than experienced professionals or dedicated public servants. With Price, America gets both.“

Pretty sure we know what the author meant to say, and pretty sure that it didn’t come out quite right.