Trump Pick for US Health Secretary 'Will Help End Obamacare' - Texas Governor

US Congressman Tom Price, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will lead the efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known Obamacare, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier on Monday, Trump announced his decision to nominate Pierce to be the next US health and human services secretary.

"Trump’s pick for HHS will help end Obamacare, restore the [doctor]/patient relationship [and] empower block grants for states," Abbott tweeted.

Trump’s pick for HHS will help end Obamacare, restore the Dr./Patient relationship & empower block grants for states https://t.co/73nqz0L2Ea

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 29 ноября 2016 г.

Pierce, a six-term Congressman from the state of Georgia, currently serves as chairman of the US House of Representatives Budget Committee.

Pierce is an orthopedic surgeon and outspoken critic of Obamacare as well as the overall healthcare reform efforts of outgoing President Barack Obama.

Republicans have particularly been critical of Obamacare since its enactment in 2011 as responsible for placing undue financial burden on citizens and companies alike without providing choice of healthcare providers.

During the 2016 presidential race, Trump characterized Obamacare as unsustainable.

Under Obamacare, the US federal government facilitates state-by-state marketplaces where uninsured citizens can buy health care coverage from private companies.