STATEMENT from former Sen. Tom
Daschle on Feb. 3, 2009
I have just informed the president that I am withdrawing my name
from consideration for secretary of health and human services.
To
be chosen by President Obama to run the Department of Health and Human
Services and to lead the reform of America’s health care system is one
of the signal honors of an improbable career.
But if 30 years of
exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me
anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can
operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and
without distraction.
Right now, I am not that leader, and will
not be a distraction. The focus of Congress should be on the urgent
business of moving the president’s economic agenda forward, including
affordable health care for every American.
We need the best care
in America to be available to all Americans. We need this effort to
succeed. Lives and livelihoods are at stake.
I will not be the architect of America’s health system reform, but I
remain one of its most fervent supports. Thank you.
STATEMENT from President Barack Obama on Feb. 3, 2009
This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for
Secretary of Health and Human Services. I accept his decision with
sadness and regret.
Tom Daschle has devoted his life to public service and health care reform, so that every American has access to health care they can afford. I had hoped that he could bring this passion and expertise to bear to finally achieve that goal, which is so essential to the progress of our economy and the well-being of businesses and families across our nation.
Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I.
But that mistake, and this decision, cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country, from his years in the military to his decades of public service.
Now we must move forward, with our plan to lift this economy and put people back to work.