Georgia’s U.S. senators applaud Price nomination as HHS secretary

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump can count on Georgia’s two U.S. senators to support his nomination of U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Roswell, as secretary of Health and Human Services.

U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson, R-Marietta, and David Perdue, R-Sea Island, issued statements applauding the nomination of Price, a physician who earlier this month won re-election as representative of Georgia’s 6th Congressional District. He has been a fierce opponent of the Affordable Care Act.

“Tom Price is a true leader in Congress and an exceptional choice to head up the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” Isakson said. “With his background as a practicing physician, Tom will bring real-world experience and a single-minded focus on the needs of patients to this vital role. I fully support his nomination and am confident that he will put the department back to work for the American people.

“Tom doesn’t just talk about replacing Obamacare — he’s put years of thought and hard work into developing a plan that can actually make health care more affordable and accessible. By nominating Tom to fill this post, President-elect Trump is signaling his commitment to repealing Obamacare. With Tom at the helm, we can begin implementing free-market principles that will increase choice and lower the cost of health care for families and businesses. I congratulate my good friend and a great Georgian, Tom Price.”

Perdue, in a statement Monday, said, “Tom is a fellow Georgian who understands that we need to stop Washington’s takeover of our health care system. As a doctor, he is seen as a leading voice on health care policy and has a common-sense plan to replace Obamacare that will lower costs and put patients in charge of their health care choices.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Tom, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will do a fantastic job improving our nation’s health care system and the lives of all Americans.”

Price in a statement said he was honored to receive the nomination from Trump.

“It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Thanks to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence for their confidence,” Price said. “I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people. There is much work to be done to ensure we have a health care system that works for patients, families and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit.

“The citizens of Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District have given me the privilege of representing them in Congress. I am so proud and grateful to live in and work on behalf of such a wonderful community and hope to continue serving our fellow citizens in this new role.”

The nomination comes after Price overwhelmingly won a new two-year term as U.S. representative of the 6th District. Price took 61.7 percent of the votes cast in the race in the Nov. 8 election. He was challenged by Democrat Rodney Stooksbury.

An orthopaedic surgeon, Price entered the political world in 1996 when he was elected Georgia state senator for the 56th Senate District. He later became the first Republican in Georgia to be Senate majority leader when the GOP took control of the state Senate.

In 2004, Price won election as U.S. representative of the 6th Congressional District, a seat he has held since. Price is chairman of the House Budget Committee and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

A native of Michigan, Price earned a doctor of medicine from the University of Michigan and performed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. Price spent about 20 years as a physician, opening an orthopaedic practice in Roswell and, before running for Congress, was an assistant professor of orthopaedics at Emory University and the medical director of the orthopaedic clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital, also in Atlanta.

Price’s wife has also entered politics. Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Price, a retired anesthesiologist, was elected Nov. 8 to serve as state representative of District 48 in the Georgia House. The Prices have one adult son.