Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to introduce Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD) as President-Elect Barack Obama’s Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Johnson, a longtime friend and colleague of Daschle’s, cited his passion for public service and longstanding commitment to improving health care in America.

“With Tom’s unique understanding of the many problems plaguing health care in America, and his commitment to solving them with fresh ideas, we have our best chance to actually improve health care for all Americans,” Johnson said.

Below is the full text of Johnson’s statement to the committee:

Chairman Kennedy, Senator Enzi, and members of the Committee, I am so pleased to introduce my good friend and former colleague, Tom Daschle, as the HELP Committee considers his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

I have watched and admired Tom’s career in public service for many years.  I remember his first campaign for Congress in 1978, the same year as my first run for the South Dakota Legislature.  Through the last 30 years, Tom has become one of my closest friends, and I marvel at his deep dedication to service, relentless work ethic, and unending commitment to serving the people of our home state and our nation.

Now, Tom has been called upon to return to public service as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and I know our country will be a better place because Tom chose to answer that call.  His passion for ensuring that all Americans have access to quality health care is second to none.  With Tom’s unique understanding of the many problems plaguing health care in America, and his commitment to solving them with fresh ideas, we have our best chance to actually improve health care for all Americans.

I urge the members of this committee, and my Senate colleagues, to confirm Tom Daschle’s nomination, so that we all can get to work reforming health care in America.

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For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov.