President Trump's budget for fiscal year 2019 once again seeks deep cuts across the spectrum of health activities, including a reduction to the National Institutes of Health that would cut its funding down to roughly $100 million below the…

Safety starts with training, Mr. Gardner, it clearly was not adequate.

I have come to the floor this afternoon to oppose the nomination of GEN Mitchell Zais, who has been nominated to serve as Secretary DeVos's Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education. I am opposing this nomination because those who…

Thank you very much, Chairman Collins. I really appreciate you holding this hearing today, and Ranking Member Reed.

I must register my deep disappointment with the continual delays on the comprehensive oil spill response plan rulemaking.

I just want to remind you that the Seattle area has a large joint military presence.

Their delay, the Trump delay in continuing to implement that is having an impact.

I believe that needs to be done in a way that strengthens this Program that helps so many patients.

I want to emphasize, I'm really supportive of the effort on this, but I have some real concerns about making sure we have strong, quality guardrails in place.

340B is critical for safety net providers that care for patients and families with the greatest needs and fewest resources.

I'm concerned about spouse employment. The opportunities for military spouses are often rare.

I think we really need to keep track of that so we don't end up, down the road, with a bunch of people that have--don't have papers worth anything.

Instead of working with stakeholders to provide more clarity to that guidance, it was pulled back and the Administration punted it again.

I had one spouse tell me that she sent out a number of resumes, didn't hear anything back, so she sent to the same people and didn't put on a military spouse affiliation on her resume, and heard back. That's just wrong.

Well, those were short term, and the short-term plans guarantee none of the critical consumer protections that are included in the individual insurance market.

I'm really concerned that part of what is driving up premiums today is this rule.

This budget does take an alarming step backwards when it comes to women's healthcare.

So, Mr. Secretary, do you think the Federal Government should be in the business of telling women which doctors they can and can't see?

A budget isn't just a set of numbers. It's actually a statement of values and priorities.

But can't you reprogram? If this is a priority for you, I believe that you can reprogram or transfer funds directly for this reason.

Democrats are going to keep making the case that we should take steps to actually help families address these problems instead of proposing cuts that do the opposite.

It has been really disconcerting to see this Administration sabotage the healthcare system in many ways, driving up premiums.

Well, as Secretary, would you be willing to ask for that in the next budget?

I'm concerned that now, in another attack on patients' healthcare, HHS is proposing to expand the sale of short-term junk plans.

It is essential that we improve systems of maternity care, including both clinical and public health systems, to eliminate preventable maternal mortality.