Obama names Daschle as health secretary

Source: Xinhua | 12-12-2008 07:50

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday named former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle,a leading advocate for health care reform, to be his health secretary.

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama (L) introduces former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (R) as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during a news conference in Chicago, December 11, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Speaking at a press conference in Chicago, Obama said Daschle will also oversee the new White House Office of Health Reform.

Jeanne Lambrew will serve as the deputy to Daschle in that office, he added.

Obama described Daschle as "one of the foremost" experts on the issue, and noted a book Daschle co-authored with Lambrew on healthcare reform titled "Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis."

"Tom brings more than just great expertise. Tom is the original no-drama guy, speaking softly but leading boldly," the president-elect said.

Daschle, who is in the health care advisory group of Obama's transition team, said he plans to write the health care plan that Obama will submit to Congress next year.

Obama made it clear that despite the current economic turmoil, health care reform must be addressed.

"Let's be clear, if we want to overcome our economic challenge, we must overcome our health care challenge," he said.

He was echoed by Daschle.