FILE - In this June 15, 2017, file photo, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Price announced Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, he is resigning amid criticism of his travel on private planes. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
September 29, 2017 - 9:04 PM
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is seeking a new health secretary after an outcry over flying on costly private charters for official travel led to the ouster of Tom Price.
The administration will also have to contend with renewed scrutiny of Cabinet members' travel. Following news reports about Price, the House Oversight and Government Reform committee launched a governmentwide investigation of travel by top political appointees.
Price is a 62-year-old former GOP congressman from the Atlanta suburbs. His pattern of costly trips angered his boss and was overshadowing the administration's agenda. Price's regrets and a partial repayment couldn't save his job.
The $1 trillion Health and Human Services Department has 80,000 employees and jurisdiction over major insurance programs, advanced medical research, drug and food safety, public health, and disease prevention.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017