Sen. Cruz: Why I’m Voting No on President Obama’s HHS Nomination
President Obama and Director Burwell have turned their backs on the millions of Americans suffering because of Obamacare.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement regarding President Obama's nomination of Sylvia Burwell to become Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"As Obamacare has begun to be implemented, it has become apparent that it is an unmitigated disaster," said Sen. Cruz. "As a direct result of Obamacare, millions of Americans have lost their jobs, been forced into part-time work, lost their health insurance and doctors, and had their premiums skyrocket. In response, the Obama Administration and Director Burwell, as his nominee to be HHS Secretary, have offered no relief whatsoever. That is unacceptable. President Obama and Director Burwell have turned their backs on the millions of Americans suffering because of Obamacare. Until the President agrees to offer meaningful relief to the millions of people hurt by Obamacare, we should not confirm this nominee.
As Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Burwell was responsible for a $92 billion budget, yet at a hearing earlier this year claimed she could not speak with "expertise" about recommended Medicare cuts.
In testimony to Congress, Burwell also refrained from directly answering questions about the number of previously insured Obamacare enrollees; where the funding for expected HHS shortfalls will come from; how the Independent Payment Advisory Board can be expected to function; the specifics of abortion coverage mandated by Obamacare; or the delay in the employer mandate.
On May 16, Sen. Cruz and Sen. Mike Lee, R-UT, sent a letter to Director Burwell asking a series of questions about Obamacare.
Director Burwell sent a response, which Sen. Cruz found unsatisfactory.
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