Senators probe nominee Chris Klomp’s influence on HHS health-policy and drug pricing

Senators on the Finance and Energy committees held two days of hearings to examine the authority that Chris Klomp would have if confirmed as deputy secretary of HHS.

Klomp, a senior adviser who served in the Trump administration, is credited with negotiating drug-price agreements and overseeing personnel matters for the department.

During the hearings he described his role as ensuring smooth operations and managing hires, while lawmakers questioned how he might shape the agency’s health agenda under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The scrutiny reflects broader concerns about the impact of HHS leadership on pharmaceutical pricing and regulatory priorities.