Diane Black named interim House Budget chairman

by Joel Ebert , USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee- U.S. Rep. Diane Black on Tuesday was named interim chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee, placing her at the crux of the fight to repeal Obamacare.

The interim title appears to be necessary until Rep. Tom Price, the outgoing committee chairman, is confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"As interim Chairman for the House Budget Committee, I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to repeal this law that has burdened families and businesses and turn the page to a new healthcare system that lowers costs, spurs free market competition, and ultimately empowers patients — not Washington bureaucrats. I look forward to bringing my decades in healthcare as a registered nurse, my insight as a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, and my unique experience navigating Tennessee’s own health reform crisis to this role. I am grateful to my colleagues for this opportunity and am ready for the important work ahead," Black said. 

   Rep. Phil Roe was named chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who was once considered a candidate for vice president and Secretary of State, chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.(link)

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Congressman Diane Black Named Interim House Budget Committee Chair

Vows to work to repeal Obamacare, implement free market healthcare solutions

Diane Black Press release, Washington, D.C. – Congressman Diane Black (R-TN-06) was named interim House Budget Committee Chairman today pursuant to House passage of H. Res. 6. The announcement follows outgoing Chairman and Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Tom Price’s (R-GA-06) decision to suspend his duties in anticipation of his Senate confirmation hearings. A registered nurse by background, Black brings more than 40 years of healthcare experience to the role. She released the following statement:

“The passage of Obamacare is the reason I ran for Congress. As interim Chairman for the House Budget Committee, I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to repeal this law that has burdened families and businesses and turn the page to a new healthcare system that lowers costs, spurs free market competition, and ultimately empowers patients – not Washington bureaucrats. I look forward to bringing my decades in healthcare as a registered nurse, my insight as a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, and my unique experience navigating Tennessee’s own health reform crisis to this role. I am grateful to my colleagues for this opportunity and am ready for the important work ahead,” said interim Chairman Diane Black.

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