Senator Hawley Endorses Dr. Oz for CMS Role After Securing Key Policy Commitments

Senator Hawley Endorses Dr. Oz for CMS Role After Securing Key Policy Commitments

FIRST ON FOX: Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, announced his support for Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, following an alignment on critical issues such as transgender treatments for minors and abortion policies.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Hawley explained the basis of his decision. He stated, “On this basis, I will vote to confirm him. Now that I am confident that he has moved away from his previous positions, and he’s moved into alignment with the president, I feel comfortable voting for him.”

Hawley disclosed that Oz addressed his concerns regarding past statements on these sensitive topics. Earlier throughout the day, Oz made several posts on X, publicly disavowing his earlier stances on the issues concerning transgender treatments and abortion rights.

In his post, Hawley articulated Oz’s commitment, saying, “Dr. Oz has responded to my questions re: past support for trans treatments for minors and his criticism of the right to life. Oz now disavows his previous support for trans surgeries and drugs for minor children. He pledges to end chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

Hawley further noted, “He also walks back past criticism of state pro-life laws, says he supports the Dobbs decision, and is unequivocally pro-life. He vows to enforce conscience protections, end the abuse of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, and work to end funding for abortion providers.”

Such positions represent a significant shift for Oz, according to Hawley, who expressed enthusiasm about the nominee’s responses. He remarked, “This was really a big shift of position for him. When it comes to the transgender issue and the life issue, those are non-negotiable for me, just as I believe they are for the president. I want to know that these people are 100% clear.”

Trump Administration’s Shared Agenda

Hawley’s backing aligns with the broader objectives set forth by President Trump and his administration. A White House spokesperson, Kush Desai, emphasized the united front among Trump appointees in restoring sensible policies. Desai stated, “Every member of the Trump administration is working from the same playbook to restore commonsense policies and put an end to left-wing ideological nonsense afflicting our government. We look forward to the Senate’s swift confirmation of Dr. Oz so he can join the rest of our all-star team at HHS working to make America healthy again by restoring common sense, transparency, and confidence in our healthcare apparatus.”

Questions on Critical Issues

Earlier in the month, Senator Hawley sent a detailed list of concerns to Oz regarding his positions on transgender treatments and abortion. Initially, Hawley noted that he found Oz’s lack of response puzzling. He described it as “strange,” especially given the significance of the matters at hand.

Oz, a well-known figure for his previous television presence, had featured individuals who supported transgender treatments, particularly focusing on minors. During a 2010 broadcast, he hosted two transgender children in a segment titled “Transgender Kids: Too Young to Decide?” highlighting his earlier engagement with the subject.

In a 2019 interview on the radio show “The Breakfast Club,” Oz expressed concerns over proposed state laws aimed at limiting abortion access. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “It’s a hard issue for everybody.” While he personally opposed abortion, he believed in allowing individual choices, stating, “I don’t want the federal government involved with that at all.”

Policy Commitments Influence Future Nominations

Hawley’s alignment with Oz is not an isolated case; it represents a continuation of his strategy when evaluating Trump nominees. Previously, he secured commitments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, on similar issues.

The Senator’s influence extends into broader legislative discussions as he navigates confirmation processes. For instance, he successfully campaigned for the resignation of a key FDA attorney previously supportive of abortion pill access during former President Biden’s term.

Reflecting on his approach, Hawley remarked, “I just view my role regarding those I have to vote on—I want to know that these people are going to align with the president.” His confidence stems from the belief that the Trump administration is advancing quickly and decisively on critical social issues.

Looking Ahead

As Hawley continues to exert influence in the Senate, his commitment to advancing policies that align with his and Trump’s vision remains firm. The confirmation of Dr. Oz will signify a broader commitment to the administration’s agenda, reinforcing the expectation that appointees should reflect the values and principles prioritized by the Trump administration.

The developments surrounding Oz’s nomination and Hawley’s backing update essential conversations regarding healthcare, ethics, and the political landscape within the United States. As these discussions evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that the priorities of lawmakers will play a significant role in shaping the future of health policy in America.