U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) made remarks during an executive session to consider several key nominations. The committee is reviewing the appointments of Arjun Mody as Deputy Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, Jeffrey Goettman as Deputy United States Trade Representative, Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the USTR, and Thomas (March) Bell as Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Crapo opened his statement by outlining the purpose of the meeting: “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of Arjun Mody, who is nominated to serve as the Deputy Commissioner for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Jeffrey Goettman, who is nominated to serve as the Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR), Julie Callahan, who is nominated to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at USTR and March Bell, who is nominated to serve as the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).”
He explained that members would have a chance to comment on each nominee before a vote takes place later off the Senate floor: “This morning’s meeting will provide members with the opportunity to offer remarks on the nominees. We will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote off the Senate floor.”
Crapo noted that all four nominees demonstrated strong qualifications during their hearings. He highlighted Mody’s background in legislative collaboration: “Mr. Mody highlighted his extensive experience working with congressional leaders to build consensus and find solutions to challenging policy issues. He will bring the same work ethic and collaborative approach to the Social Security Administration.”
On Goettman’s nomination, Crapo emphasized his focus on strengthening manufacturing supply chains for small businesses: “Mr. Goettman demonstrated his commitment to ensuring the resiliency of U.S. manufacturing supply chains, particularly for small businesses. I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to ensure the formulation of trade policy that is both fair and economically sound.”
Regarding Callahan’s candidacy for Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Crapo pointed out her wide support from industry groups: “Dr. Callahan brings decades of expertise to USTR, as reflected by the over 80 trade associations supporting her nomination. If confirmed as Chief Agriculture Negotiator, she will ensure the important interests of American agriculture are championed on the world stage.”
For Bell’s nomination as Inspector General at HHS, Crapo cited his oversight experience: “Lastly, Mr. Bell will utilize his extensive oversight experience if he is confirmed as Inspector General to fight waste, fraud and abuse, and to keep Congress abreast of HHS’s steps to save taxpayer dollars.”
Crapo concluded by stating his support for all four nominees: “I will be voting in favor of each nominee and encourage my colleagues to do the same.”
