Senate panels to scrutinize Chris Klomp's bid for HHS deputy role
Democrats plan to challenge Chris Klomp's nomination as the second-in-command of the Department of Health and Human Services during upcoming Senate finance and health committee hearings.
Chris Klomp, a longtime health official who helped broker the Trump administration's drug-pricing deals and restructured senior teams at the Department of Health and Human Services, has been nominated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the department's No. 2. Ahead of his confirmation, Klomp quietly consulted with about 35 senators, according to a source familiar with the outreach. This week, the Senate finance and health committees will hold hearings on his nomination.
Democratic aides say progressives will push to dismantle the portrayal of Klomp as a moderate bridge-builder placed by the White House to curb Kennedy's anti-vaccine agenda. Although he is unlikely to win broad Democratic public support, several lawmakers still view him as one of Donald Trump's most competent health officials.
Why it matters
The hearings will determine whether a key health official aligned with a controversial health secretary can secure Senate approval.
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