WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) announced today that the Committee will hold a hearing on President Trump’s fiscal year 2019 budget proposals for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday, February 14, at 10:00 am in Room 1100 of the Longworth House Office Building.

HHS Secretary Alex Azar will be the sole witness.

In announcing the hearing, Chairman Brady said:

“Ways and Means Members are looking forward to welcoming our newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, to discuss President Trump’s budget proposals affecting the Health and Human Services programs under our jurisdiction. 

“Our Committee has been leading the way on efforts to improve our nation’s health care system and help more Americans lift themselves out of poverty and into prosperity. We’ve taken action on solutions to increase choice and flexibility in health care and strengthen families and communities across our nation. But there is still much work to do. Too many people are stuck on the sidelines of our economy without work. Too many families are being torn apart by the opioid crisis. Too many Americans are struggling to get the treatments they need at a price they can afford. Too much federal red tape continues to stand in the way of greater access and better care in the Medicare program. 

“I look forward to discussing with Secretary Azar ways we can work with the Trump Administration to tackle these challenges to ensure our federal Health and Human Services programs are delivering positive results for all Americans.”

Background

Next week, President Trump is expected to submit his Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal to Congress. The President’s proposed budget will contain his tax, spending, and policy proposals for the coming fiscal year. Secretary Azar will discuss the President’s proposals involving HHS programs that are within the Committee’s jurisdiction, including Medicare; health care programs under the Affordable Care Act; health care reform; Child Support Enforcement; Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; and a number of child welfare programs.