U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) addressed the committee during an executive session to discuss the nominations of Jonathan McKernan for Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Treasury Department and Dr. Alex Adams, of Idaho, for Assistant Secretary for Family Support at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Crapo outlined the session’s agenda, noting that members would have a chance to comment on the nominees before moving to a hearing and subsequent vote later in the day.
During his remarks, Crapo highlighted McKernan’s approach to financial regulation: “During his hearing, Mr. McKernan discussed his plans to use the Office of Domestic Finance’s wide-ranging authority to bring back sound and balanced regulation to our financial system. Properly tailoring regulation to underlying risks, rather than intangible policy goals, will provide much needed relief to financial institutions and the individuals they service. I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to accomplish this goal.”
He also spoke about Dr. Adams’ views on family support policy: “Dr. Adams spoke strongly about his belief that federal policy should strengthen, rather than supplant, parents’ capacity to make the best decisions for their children. As the Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Dr. Adams knows what policy decisions empower states to provide critical assistance to some of America’s most vulnerable populations. I am confident in his ability to lead the array of programs under the Administration for Children and Families at HHS.”
Crapo stated his intention to support both nominees: “I will be voting in favor of both nominations and I encourage all of my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.”
In addition, Crapo recognized Bob Becker from the Senate Recording Studio who is retiring after 34 years: “Before turning to Senator Wyden for his remarks, let me take a moment to acknowledge the retirement of Bob Becker. Bob has been with the Senate Recording Studio for 34 years and is retiring in August, today’s executive session and hearing are his last – we are glad you get to end your career with the best Committee. He is the recording studio’s ‘Go-to Hearing Director’ and has been essential in directing hearing coverage, coverage of the Senate floor and working in the recording studio in various roles. We wish Bob all the best on his well-earned retirement and thank him for his many years of service.”
