Finance Committee Advances HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations

Finance Committee Advances HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations

Washington, D.C.-The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Gerard "Chris" Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 15-12, James "Jim" Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by a vote of 14-13, Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation (ASPE) at HHS by a vote of 14-13, and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court by a vote of 14-13.

Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:

"I commend the Committee's action and congratulate each nominee.

"During last week's hearing, Mr. Klomp emphasized the importance of effective leadership and operational excellence at the Department of Health and Human Services. I appreciated his commitment to empower HHS's 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.

"Dr. Bai's focus on sound research and analysis will improve the value Americans receive from our health care system.

"Mr. De Mello's experience as Acting Chief Counsel at the Internal Revenue Service has prepared him to apply the law fairly and impartially on the U.S. Tax Court.

"I am confident in each nominee's qualifications and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate."

Executive session information can be found HERE.

Read Chairman Crapo's full statement at the nomination hearing HERE.