Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations

Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Gerard "Chris" Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), James "Jim" Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation (ASPE) at HHS and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court.

As prepared for delivery:

"We meet today, in executive session, to consider favorably reporting the nominations of the following individuals: Gerard "Chris" Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of HHS, James "Jim" Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court.

"As is our usual process, members will have another opportunity this morning to offer their remarks on the nominees.

"Members will be notified of the time and location later today to conduct the vote on the nominees off the Senate floor.

"During last week's hearing, Mr. Klomp emphasized the importance of effective leadership and operational excellence at the Department of Health and Human Services, including aligning people, policy, technology and resources around clear objectives and measurable results.

"I appreciated his commitment to ensuring HHS effectively carries out its mission and empowers its talented workforce to address the pressing health challenges facing our country.

"Mr. Gadwood discussed the important responsibility of the IRS Chief Counsel to provide taxpayers with timely guidance, clear and principled legal advice and effective representation of the Internal Revenue Service.

"I was encouraged by his commitment to providing taxpayers with the certainty they need to comply with our tax laws while ensuring the Internal Revenue Code is administered fairly and consistently.

"Dr. Bai highlighted the need for rigorous, evidence-based analysis to inform health policy and address the significant challenges facing our nation's health care system.

"I appreciated her focus on improving the value Americans receive from our health care system and her commitment to using sound research and analysis to inform policies that promote affordability, access, competition and innovation.

"Mr. De Mello spoke about the experience and perspective he gained through his service at the Internal Revenue Service, including his work in the Office of Chief Counsel and his service as Acting Chief Counsel.

"He also emphasized the important role the United States Tax Court plays in providing taxpayers with an independent forum to resolve disputes. I welcomed his commitment to applying the law fairly and impartially, and to treating every taxpayer who appears before the court with patience, respect and even-handedness.

"Before closing, all nominees before the Finance Committee undergo significant vetting by congressional staff, and each of the nominees here today have met the Committee's vigorous vetting standard.

"I am voting in favor of each nominee and encourage my colleagues to do the same."