Wyden Coy on Vetting for Vacant HHS Cabinet Post

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a long-time proponent of healthcare reform, wouldn’t say whether he’s being vetted to become Health and Human Services secretary in the Obama administration.

When asked Tuesday whether he has spoken to the president or his chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, about the vacant Cabinet post, Wyden deferred to Obama but did little to knock down suggestions that he’s interested in it.

“I have long felt that anything relating to vetting for nominations is something that ought to come from the president,” Wyden told The Hill. “I’m very much committed to working with the president on the issue of fixing healthcare.”

Wyden said that he’s talked to Obama “many times” about the healthcare system.

“When you talk to the president of the united states about fixing healthcare, he really gets a steely determination about it,” Wyden said. “He is totally totally committed to doing this and I’m going to help him any way I can.”