Trending News Today: Controversy Surrounds Trump Pick for HHS Secretary

The state of California recently withdrew their request to sell health insurance plans to undocumented immigrants, The Washington Times reported. Sen Ricardo Lara (D-CA) was attempting to help uninsured immigrants to receive health coverage, since a large proportion are living in California. The Senator decided to withdraw the legislation due to its probable failure under President-elect Donald Trump.

Several senators who are criticizing Rep Tom Price (R-GA), Trump’s pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have substantial holdings in pharmaceutical companies. Price is being questioned about the ethics of having stock holdings in certain companies that have been affected by legislation he has written or voted for. However, at least 6 members involved with the confirmation process also have holdings in Merck, Gilead, and other pharmaceutical companies, according to Kaiser Health News.

Price told the Senate Health Committee that if he is confirmed as Trump’s pick for HHS secretary, he will protect Americans, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, Price has tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid for many years as a US Representative. Price also did not offer any details about his plan to protect the health of many vulnerable Americans.