AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released a statement following today's reports that former Senator Tom Daschle will be nominated to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services:

"President-Elect Obama promised to make health care reform a priority during his campaign and we applaud his decision to follow through by making the Secretary of Health and Human Services one of his first cabinet appointments. Senator Daschle would bring a wealth of experience to HHS as the new Congress and Administration begin their work to solve our health care crisis. We look forward to working with the senator after his confirmation to make health care reform a reality in 2009."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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