Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., was named interim chair of the House Budget Committee late Tuesday, the first day of the 115th Congress.
Black will temporarily replace Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, who is awaiting Senate confirmation for his nomination to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Black, a former nurse who worked in the health industry for four decades, said repealing Obamacare will be the committee’s priority, right in line with President-elect Trump’s agenda.
“The passage of Obamacare is the reason I ran for Congress. As interim Chairman for the House Budget Committee, I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to repeal this law that has burdened families and businesses and turn the page to a new healthcare system that lowers costs, spurs free market competition, and ultimately empowers patients – not Washington bureaucrats,” Black said in a statement.
“I look forward to bringing my decades in healthcare as a registered nurse, my insight as a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, and my unique experience navigating Tennessee’s own health reform crisis to this role,” Black added. “I am grateful to my colleagues for this opportunity and am ready for the important work ahead.”
