Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer came out against Rep. Tom Price, Donald Trump's pick for the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, saying he wants to take away entitlements, Obamacare and remove taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood.
"Nominating Congressman Price to be the HHS secretary is akin to asking the fox to guard the hen house," Schumer said, according to the Washington Examiner.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, who will lead the party in the upcoming Congress, said he believes Price's views run counter to most Americans'.
"Congressman Price has proven to be far out of the mainstream of what Americans want when it comes to Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and Planned Parenthood," Schumer said.
"Thanks to those programs, millions of American seniors, families, people with disabilities and women have access to quality, affordable health care."
Trump's nominees for Cabinet are sent to the Senate for confirmation and require a simple majority. Depending on the outcome of the Louisiana Senate runoff, Republicans would control 51 or 52 votes, reports the Examiner.
Republicans, however, praised the selection of Price, with House Speaker Paul Ryan calling it an "absolute perfect choice."
Texas Rep. Kevin Brady agreed, saying, "Dr. Price's unique experience, clear understanding of health and budget policy issues, and strong work ethic have been invaluable assets to our committee."
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Price has his own plan to replace Obamacare which would favor tax credits based on a policy holder's age and would help customers buy insurance on individual markets.
Price had been rumored to be considering a run for Georgia governor, the Journal-Constitution reported.
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