Just a day before his senate confirmation hearing to lead a massive health agency in President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet, a new report about Georgia Republican Tom Price’s stock purchases is raising fresh questions about his ethics while serving in Congress.
CNN on Monday reported that Price, who is Trump's pick to become U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, purchased stock in a medical device manufacturer just days before he pushed legislation in Congress that would directly benefit the company. Price bought between $1,001 and $15,000 in stock last march in Zimmer Biomet, a manufacturer of knee and hip implant, just before he introduced legislation to delay federal regulatory action that would impact the company's bottom line.
The CNN report comes as several news organizations, including the AJC, have reported on Price's close ties to the medical industry, including investments he's made in health-related companies and support he's received from the industry throughout his political career.
A Trump transition spokesman has said Price, who represents Roswell and other northern suburbs in the U.S. House, has followed the law throughout his congressional career and will continue to do so when he becomes HHS secretary. Price has outlined a plan with federal ethics officials to divest his investments in the health care sector and other related industries that could present conflicts with his new position.
Price’s confirmation hearing before the Senate health committee is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
