Food & Water Watch Denounces Nomination of Tom Price to Head Health and Human Services

“The Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for a department that plays a vital role in people’s lives—providing health insurance and safety net programs, regulating prescription drugs and medical devices and setting safety and labeling standards for food. We are concerned that the President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), will not value the wellbeing of the public over the agendas of corporations and major industries. 

“While in Congress, Rep. Price consistently voted against environmental protections, with a lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters of five percent and a score of zero in 2015 alone. During his time in the House, Rep. Price voted to approve the disastrous Keystone XL pipeline; to allow the export of oil from the United States; to nullify the Clean Power Plan that was intended to reduce carbon pollution; and to invalidate a rule intended to protect water quality from nonpoint source pollution. He has also cast doubt on the science behind global climate change, aligning himself with the fossil fuel industry. 

“On issues related to food safety and ensuring that consumers can get accurate information about the food they feed their families, Rep. Price’s record is equally troubling. He voted to block common sense state GMO labeling laws; to repeal popular country of origin labeling for meat; and to weaken requirements for restaurants to include calorie counts on menus. In 2010, he voted against the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. 

“Rep. Price’s record of prioritizing industry over public health and consumer safety shows that he is not an acceptable choice to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services. We urge the Senate to oppose the nomination of Rep. Price.”

Contact: Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-4905, [email protected]