Updated 1 p.m. Friday:
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Friday issued the following statement on the resignation of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius:
“Six months ago I was the firstto call on the Secretary to resign for gross incompetence resulting in the failures of the exchange websites,” Roberts said. “This decision by Secretary Sebelius to resign is prudent, but overdue.
“Today, we have more Americans losing the care they like than we have receiving care in the exchange. Obamacare has cost the nation more than a trillion dollars and has created higher premiums, higher taxes, less choice, confusion, delays and problem after problem.
“Unfortunately, the President and his allies in Congress continue to protect this law despite its toll on our economy, patients and providers. A new secretary has been nominated, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, but with Obamacare, nothing will alter. Obamacare is the President’s legacy. The President will unilaterally change what doesn’t work. The March toward socialized medicine will continue.”
Senator Roberts is a member of the two committees with jurisdiction on Obamacare, the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He is an outspoken opponent of Obamacare.
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Updated noon Friday:
Chair of the Riley County Democrats Kathryn Focke’s comments on Sebelius’s Resignation:
” I’m Kind of sad to see that she is not going to be there to finalize the insurance issues that are coming up. But she was a good governor. I am sad that our Congregational Delegation is being very critical at her.”
State Representative Sydney Carlin issued the following statement on KMAN’s In Focus:
” I can’t think of a tougher job in the government right now than she’s had the last five years. I admire her so much for her ability to just begin this process, just to do what she’s done.”
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Updated 10 a.m.Friday:
Kansas Congressional leaders are reacting to the news of Sebelius’ resignation:
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ resignation: “Even though Secretary Sebelius will be gone, every promise the President made about Obamacare – if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor; health care costs will be lowered; and if you like your health plan you can keep it – will remain broken. Changing the Secretary won’t change the problem – a disaster is still a disaster.”
Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) issued the following statement:
“It’s about time former Kansas Governor Sebelius stepped down. I have battled the liberal Sebelius agenda in Topeka and Washington, opposed her appointment as HHS Secretary, and have called numerous times for her resignation. With Sebelius’ sudden departure, following on the heels of her disastrous, expensive roll-out of ObamaCare, it is time to dismantle and replace it with real patient-centered reforms. The American people demand no less.”
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(Earlier report)
Health and Human Health Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius is stepping down. Thats according to several media outlets.
After serving as the Governor of Kansas from 2003-2009, Sebelius spent five years in President Barack Obama’s cabinet. She will reportedly announce her resignation on Friday.
Stay with KMAN for the latest in this developing story.
