Lincoln Statement on Daschle Selection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2008
Contact: Katie Laning (202)224-4843

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) released the following statement on President-elect Obama’s selection of former Senator Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) as Secretary of Health and Human Services:

“Health reform will be a top item on next year’s agenda, and I am pleased President-elect Obama has chosen Senator Daschle to help lead this charge as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Senator Daschle has earned the respect of his former colleagues through his long career of public service working with members of both parties.  Tom and I served on the Senate Finance Committee together, so I know firsthand of his commitment to tackling our nation’s health care challenges.  After serving the people of South Dakota in Congress for nearly three decades, Tom knows the challenges rural states face when it comes to providing families with access to quality and affordable health care.  I believe his selection as Secretary of Health and Human Services will be beneficial to rural states like Arkansas and to our entire country.  I look forward to his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee early next year and the important work that lies ahead. He is clearly a great choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services at a pivotal time in our country when comprehensive health care reform is essential to the people of this country and the economy.”

--30--