Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg said on Apr. 17 that strong leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is crucial as Americans face rising health care costs, declining public trust, and increasing rates of chronic disease. Walberg made these remarks during a hearing titled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services.”
The topic is significant because HHS plays a central role in shaping health care access, affordability, nutrition guidelines, child welfare programs, and fiscal responsibility—all areas that directly affect families across the country.
In his statement, Walberg said: “At a time when Americans are facing rising health care costs, declining public trust, and worsening rates of chronic disease, strong leadership at HHS is more important than ever. Under Secretary Kennedy, HHS is taking bold and decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.” He emphasized concerns about transparency in health care pricing: “Health care is a critical part of the equation. Yet for too many families, the cost of care continues to rise while transparency remains out of reach…Americans deserve clear and upfront pricing that will help drive competition and lower costs.” He added that strengthening transparency remains a focus for the committee.
Walberg also addressed preventive health measures: “Health begins long before a patient enters a doctor’s office. It starts with nutrition, prevention, and daily choices.” He praised Secretary Kennedy’s work in updating dietary guidelines for Americans as an important step toward improving public health.
The chairman highlighted efforts to improve early childhood education programs while expressing concern over certain federal mandates: “Taxpayer dollars should support children and families, not advance ideological initiatives…Sex-rejecting procedures and mutilating chemical treatments are an abominable use of federal taxpayer dollars.” He commended HHS for addressing these issues.
Fiscal responsibility was another point raised by Walberg: “The Department’s budget proposal reins in a bloated…bureaucracy by restructuring HHS to refocus on core principles—all while saving American taxpayers $1.8 billion every year.” He concluded by saying he looks forward to working with Secretary Kennedy on building “a healthier, stronger future for every American.”
The House Education and Workforce Committee manages federal programs concerning education, labor, health,and workforce development according to its official website. The committee also influences policy on issues such as student loansand worker protections according to its official website. Additionally,the committee serves in the legislative sector with jurisdiction over educationand labor matters according to its official website.
