Now the top Republican to lead the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee’s Health Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., weighed in on what he wants to do in his new post.
Buchanan took over the new assignment on Wednesday.
“I’m honored to lead Republicans on this crucial panel that oversees health care in our nation,” Buchanan said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance an agenda that makes health care more affordable and accessible for every American.”
Buchanan plans to “focus on a patient-oriented system that would encourage innovation and increase personalized health care choices” and to “work to save and strengthen Medicare, continue to grow the use of telehealth services to improve access and affordability and prioritize preventive care.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee who is retiring this year, said Buchanan will do well in his new post.
“In his new role as Republican leader of the Subcommittee on Health, Vern Buchanan will continue to be a champion for Americans’ health and providing Americans, especially seniors, with better access to affordable, quality care. Vern’s success as leader of the Subcommittee on Trade will be valuable, as he achieved bipartisan, pro-growth reforms resulting in more jobs for U.S. workers, farmers, and local businesses, and a stronger economy. I look forward to working together as he takes on this new role,” Brady said.
With Buchanan taking over on the Health Subcommittee, he has bowed out as the top Republican on the U.S. House Trade Subcommittee.
Buchanan was first elected to Congress in 2006. With Brady retiring, Buchanan is a contender to lead Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee and, if the GOP flips the chamber in November, he could be the next chairman of the committee.
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