WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement in regard to the nomination of Mike Leavitt as Secretary of The Department of Health and Human Services. DeLauro is a member of the House Appropriations Committee Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Subcommittee.

“There are many significant issues of concern for the incoming secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services - the importation of prescription drugs, the Food and Drug Administration’s role in evaluating drugs and Secretary Thompson's warning about the vulnerability of food as a terrorist target.

“I look forward to learning more about Mr. Leavitt’s position on these and other issues, which are critical to the health of the American people.”