Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments after learning of Tom Daschle’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Today’s announcement by Senator Daschle that he is withdrawing his name from consideration as Secretary of Health and Human Services is disappointing, but we must continue to move forward.  Now is the time to reform our failing health care system that is draining families’ wallets, destroying industry and allowing too many to fall through the cracks.  We are moving full speed ahead in the House on putting together the elements for success in passing a health care reform package that this country so desperately needs.  We need to get our economy back on track and reforming our broken health care system is a giant step in the right direction.  We will miss Senator Daschle in the Cabinet, but the work he has already done on health reform and the work of so many others will carry on with vigor and speed.” 

# # #