WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President-elect Joe Biden nominated California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H), which oversees federal health spending, issued the following statement:

“I served in the U.S. House of Representatives with Xavier Becerra and he is a strong choice to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.  This post is mission critical to the success of our nation and President-elect Biden has wisely tapped a dedicated public servant with the skills, expertise, and leadership to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. 

“Attorney General Becerra’s experience as both a legislator and as California’s top law enforcement official will serve him well as he addresses a variety of complex challenges at HHS, whether it is food and drug safety, vaccine distribution, medical research, disease prevention, health information technology, or ensuring access to quality, affordable, and portable health care.  And he would make history as the first Latino in U.S. history to lead HHS.

“The next Secretary of HHS certainly has their work cut out for them and I am confident Attorney General Becerra will help the Biden-Harris Administration lead the nation in a better, healthier direction.”