WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) today released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Alex Azar to be the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“I look forward to working with Alex Azar as the next Health and Human Services Secretary. Mr. Azar has had a long career focused on improving health care for all Americans – including serving as the HHS Deputy Secretary under President George W. Bush – and understands what it takes to address some of the biggest challenges facing Americans today. His experience will be key to lowering health care costs and increasing competition, innovation, and choice so Americans can access the health care that’s right for them. And he’ll help ensure that HHS is working properly for all types of health care providers and the patients they serve – today and in the future.”