Finance Hearing on Daschle Set for Feb. 10
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services-designate Tom Daschle on Feb. 10, likely making the nominee the last of President Barack Obamas Cabinet members to be confirmed.
The hearing announcement came just as the Finance Committee adjourned a one-hour, closed-door meeting Monday to discuss Daschles financial records. The former Senate Majority Leader had to pay more than $100,000 in back taxes owed on unreported car and chauffeur services.
Despite the tax issue, Senate Democrats on the panel have come out strong in their support of Daschle, who sat for a confirmation before the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee last month. Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Monday that Daschles tax mistakes are regrettable, [but] his tax mistakes do not change his qualifications to lead on health care reform.