The Senate Finance Committee has moved forward with several key nominations, voting to advance Arjun Mody as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, Jeffrey Goettman as a Deputy United States Trade Representative, Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and Thomas (March) Bell as Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The votes for Mody and Bell were 14-13, while Goettman and Callahan each received 17-10 votes.
Following the committee’s decisions, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) commented on the qualifications of each nominee.
“I commend the Committee’s action and congratulate each nominee.
“As a veteran of Capitol Hill, Mr. Mody is well equipped to assist Commissioner Bisignano in administering the programs overseen by the Social Security Administration.
“Mr. Goettman’s experience at the Export-Import Bank will serve him well as he ensures American interests are protected abroad.
“Dr. Callahan’s endorsement by over 80 trade associations representing farmers, ranchers and food manufacturers testifies to her ability to promote U.S. agriculture in international negotiations.
“Mr. Bell will play a critical role in ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid are protected from inefficiency and fraud.
“I am confident in each nominee’s ability to serve Americans’ best interest and implement the President’s agenda and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate.”
Additional information about the executive session is available online. Chairman Crapo’s full statements from both the nomination hearing and executive session can also be accessed through official channels.
