Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls on Trump to Nominate HHS Secretary Dedicated to the Health of All

WASHINGTON - September 29, 2017 – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price:

"Secretary Price's gross misuse of taxpayer funds may have been the ultimate cause for his resignation, but he failed in many ways to honor the legacy of his office. He was an integral part of Republican efforts to take health care away from millions and end the Medicaid program, and he called for massive budget cuts to our health system.

Despite repeated attempts by the Republican Congress to repeal it, the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land, and the executive branch has an obligation to enforce it, including its provisions that outlaw discrimination.  As President Trump considers nominees to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services, we urge him to name someone who will uphold the values and mission of that agency. Health care is a human right, and an issue of economic security. It should be a guaranteed right for all, and not just the wealthy few who can afford it. We must work together to find ways to improve health care for all, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, LGBTQ people, people whose primary language is not English, seniors, and low- and moderate-income families.

Finally, Secretary Price's resignation is a testament to the notable work of journalists who are willing to speak truth to power and hold our officials accountable. In these times, their work is now more important than ever."

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of approximately 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.