[Senate Hearing 117-867]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                        S. Hrg. 117-867

                  NOMINATIONS OF JAY CURTIS SHAMBAUGH 
                        AND REBECCA LEE HAFFAJEE

=======================================================================

                                HEARING

                               BEFORE THE

                          COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                    ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

                             SECOND SESSION

                                 ON THE

                             NOMINATIONS OF

JAY CURTIS SHAMBAUGH, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; AND REBECCA LEE HAFFAJEE, TO BE ASSISTANT 
 SECRETARY FOR PLANNING AND EVALUATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 
                                SERVICES
                               __________

                             JULY 12, 2022
                               __________


                  [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]                                     
                                     

            Printed for the use of the Committee on Finance
                               __________

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
                    
55-824--PDF                WASHINGTON : 2024   


                          COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

                      RON WYDEN, Oregon, Chairman

DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan            MIKE CRAPO, Idaho
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington           CHUCK GRASSLEY, Iowa
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey          JOHN CORNYN, Texas
THOMAS R. CARPER, Delaware           JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland         RICHARD BURR, North Carolina
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio                  ROB PORTMAN, Ohio
MICHAEL F. BENNET, Colorado          PATRICK J. TOOMEY, Pennsylvania
ROBERT P. CASEY, Jr., Pennsylvania   TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
MARK R. WARNER, Virginia             BILL CASSIDY, Louisiana
SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, Rhode Island     JAMES LANKFORD, Oklahoma
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire         STEVE DAINES, Montana
CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada       TODD YOUNG, Indiana
ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts      BEN SASSE, Nebraska
                                     JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming

                    Joshua Sheinkman, Staff Director

                Gregg Richard, Republican Staff Director

                                  (II)


                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              

                           OPENING STATEMENTS

                                                                   Page
Wyden, Hon. Ron, a U.S. Senator from Oregon, chairman, Committee 
  on Finance.....................................................     1
Crapo, Hon. Mike, a U.S. Senator from Idaho......................     2

                        ADMINISTRATION NOMINEES

Shambaugh, Jay Curtis, Ph.D., nominated to be Under Secretary for 
  International Affairs, Department of the Treasury, Washington, 
  DC.............................................................     3
Haffajee, Rebecca Lee, Ph.D., nominated to be Assistant Secretary 
  for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human 
  Services, Washington, DC.......................................     5

               ALPHABETICAL LISTING AND APPENDIX MATERIAL

Crapo, Hon. Mike:
    Opening statement............................................     2
    Prepared statement...........................................    29
Haffajee, Rebecca Lee, Ph.D.:
    Testimony....................................................     5
    Prepared statement...........................................    29
    Biographical information.....................................    31
    Responses to questions from committee members................    43
Shambaugh, Jay Curtis, Ph.D.:
    Testimony....................................................     3
    Prepared statement...........................................    50
    Biographical information.....................................    51
    Responses to questions from committee members................    66
Wyden, Hon. Ron:
    Opening statement............................................     1
    Prepared statement...........................................    82

                             Communication

Legal Action Center..............................................    85

                                 (III)

 
                  NOMINATIONS OF JAY CURTIS SHAMBAUGH,
                       TO BE UNDER SECRETARY FOR
                  INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF
                     THE TREASURY; AND REBECCA LEE
                  HAFFAJEE, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
                      FOR PLANNING AND EVALUATION,
                          DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
                           AND HUMAN SERVICES

                              ----------                              


                         TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

                                       U.S. Senate,
                                      Committee on Finance,
                                                    Washington, DC.
    The hearing was convened, pursuant to notice, at 10:07 
a.m., in Room SD-215, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Ron 
Wyden (chairman of the committee) presiding.
    Present: Senators Bennet, Casey, Whitehouse, Cortez Masto, 
Warren, Crapo, Thune, Lankford, and Daines.
    Also present: Democratic staff: Ian Nicholson, 
Investigator/
Nominations Advisor; and Joshua Sheinkman, Staff Director. 
Republican staff: Lincoln Foran, Policy Advisor; Gregg Richard, 
Staff Director; and Jeffrey Wrase, Deputy Staff Director and 
Chief Economist.

   OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RON WYDEN, A U.S. SENATOR FROM 
             OREGON, CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

    The Chairman. The Finance Committee will come to order. The 
committee meets this morning to discuss two key nominations for 
important roles dealing with economic and health policy.
    First up, Dr. Rebecca Haffajee is nominated to serve as the 
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the 
Department of Health and Human Services. This job is right at 
the center of the Department's efforts to tackle the biggest 
health and family policy challenges, leading on strategy, 
coordination, and research on health issues.
    For example, one of those big challenges is also a top 
priority for us as a committee. It involves improving mental 
health care in America. The lack of affordable mental health 
care is an issue in every community in every State--the biggest 
cities and the smallest towns. It affects people of all 
backgrounds and all income levels. And Senator Crapo and I have 
put in vast amounts of time on this issue. We want this to be a 
bipartisan question, because solving the mental health 
challenge requires lawmakers and the Department to bring 
together the best ideas, no matter where they come from: from 
different Federal agencies; from the States and local 
governments; from the private sector; from Democrats and 
Republicans here in the Congress.
    It is a big help to that process when there is a confirmed 
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. It will also 
be a big help that Dr. Haffajee is very qualified for the job, 
and she brings, in my view, just the right experience for this 
position.
    In March 2021, she was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and she served as the 
acting Assistant Secretary for more than a year. She is a top 
expert and a widely published researcher on health policy 
issues. So she is going to help us lead progress on improving 
mental health, as well as fighting the drug abuse epidemic, 
improving health coverage, and lowering the cost of 
prescription medicines.
    Next up, Dr. Jay Shambaugh is nominated to serve as Under 
Secretary for International Affairs at the Treasury Department. 
The Treasury's Office of International Affairs deals with major 
global economic challenges, including cracking down on currency 
manipulation, dealing with trade cheats, and strengthening 
America's relationships with economic allies. That includes 
coordinating and evaluating the effectiveness of sanctions on 
Russia. It comes down to protecting and growing our economy and 
creating jobs, in my view, and I think Dr. Shambaugh knows 
this. Dr. Shambaugh, this speaks to the whole question of 
giving everybody in America--everybody--the chance to get 
ahead.
    The doctor is a professor of economics and international 
affairs at the George Washington University. He previously 
served as a member of the White House Council on Economic 
Advisors and on the Council of Economic Affairs staff as Chief 
Economist. He is also an author and an expert on international 
economics.
    Colleagues, I want to tell you that, in my view, we have 
two highly qualified nominees here. I want to thank them for 
joining the committee today, and for their willingness to 
serve. And I want to recognize my friend, Senator Crapo.
    [The prepared statement of Chairman Wyden appears in the 
appendix.]

             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE CRAPO, 
                   A U.S. SENATOR FROM IDAHO

    Senator Crapo. Thank you, Chairman Wyden. And welcome, Dr. 
Shambaugh and Dr. Haffajee. And congratulations on your 
nominations.
    Dr. Shambaugh, in terms of tax issues, the OECD 
negotiations could have significant international economic 
consequences, and this important position could be involved in 
advising on the economic effects of the OECD agreement and 
projected implementation. I hope you will share your insights 
on the effect of the OECD agreement on U.S. businesses and U.S. 
revenue--and any other analysis of the potential effects of the 
OECD agreement.
    Additionally, I look forward to hearing your perspectives 
on the current international economic environment, including 
the interplay between fiscal policy, energy policy, and the 40-
year high inflation which is effecting America today.
    Turning to Dr. Haffajee, you have written extensively on 
the health impacts of marijuana legalization, opioid addiction 
treatment, and public health emergencies, among other issues. 
Please share your perspectives on these issues, as well as how, 
should you be confirmed, you will challenge the administration 
to evaluate programs in these and other areas fairly and with 
close attention to what the facts indicate, rather than what 
political agendas might dictate.
    I remind both of our nominees also that the success of the 
Departments of Treasury and Health and Human Services depends 
on a strong partnership with Congress, which includes 
transparency and consultation with our offices. This is true 
not just because of the authority Congress has delegated, but 
because members are well positioned to understand the needs of 
our constituents.
    I ask both nominees today to confirm that they will be 
attentive to members of this committee, and indeed the broader 
Senate, should they be confirmed. And I look forward to hearing 
their testimony and their responses to questions. Thank you.
    [The prepared statement of Senator Crapo appears in the 
appendix.]
    The Chairman. I thank my colleague.
    Dr. Shambaugh, we will have your opener and Dr. Haffajee's 
opener, and then we have some questions, procedural questions 
we have to deal with, and then we will have questions from 
members.
    Dr. Shambaugh, please.

STATEMENT OF JAY CURTIS SHAMBAUGH, Ph.D., NOMINATED TO BE UNDER 
    SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE 
                    TREASURY, WASHINGTON, DC

    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you. Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member 
Crapo, and distinguished members of the committee, I am honored 
to appear before the committee today as you consider my 
nomination to be Treasury Under Secretary for International 
Affairs. I am thankful for the support of President Biden, Vice 
President Harris, and Secretary Yellen.
    If confirmed, it would be a privilege to work with the 
distinguished public servants in International Affairs at 
Treasury. I look forward to working closely with this committee 
and your colleagues in Congress to pursue international 
economic policies that further the interests of the American 
people.
    I want to thank my family for their support: my wife Lisa, 
who is here with me today; my children Tyler and Jack; my 
sister; and my parents Curt and Nancy Shambaugh. My mother was 
a teacher. She volunteered at the local hospital and in 
schools. And she eventually became president of the school 
board in the local public school system I attended. My father 
worked in finance and also served as a trustee for our church. 
I learned from my parents that public service and making a 
positive contribution in the world are important 
responsibilities. I have tried to carry this lesson with me, 
serving as a deacon in two churches and coaching youth sports. 
I have also dedicated much of my professional life to trying to 
make a positive contribution in the world through public 
service and engaging in public policy.
    For the last 25 years, my career has been focused on 
economic policy. My core area of research has been empirical 
international macroeconomics--the study of exchange rates, 
capital flows, and spillovers across countries. I have 
published articles in top journals as well as a book on these 
questions. I am a research associate at the National Bureau of 
Economic Research in International Finance and Macroeconomics. 
I also have presented at major conferences and central banks 
around the world, spent time as a visitor at the IMF, and have 
taught international economics for over 20 years.
    I believe my experience creates a strong foundation to 
address many of the policy questions faced by Treasury's Office 
of International Affairs. At the same time, my experience is 
not just theoretical. During my time at the White House Council 
of Economic Advisers, I attended many strategic and economic 
dialogue meetings with China and met with Chinese officials and 
officials from a number of countries around the world. I also 
represented the U.S. Government at the OECD in discussions 
related to economic issues.
    These experiences have prepared me well to serve in the 
role of Under Secretary, where international economic diplomacy 
is one of the many responsibilities. I also had the opportunity 
to work on a wide range of international economic issues--
ranging from trade and development economics to international 
finance and climate--preparing me for the broad range of 
subjects covered by Treasury International Affairs.
    I also have significant experience working on U.S. economic 
policy issues, ranging from economic and wage growth, to energy 
and climate issues, to regional disparities and the impact of 
trade shocks. Studying these issues has prepared me to 
carefully consider how U.S. global economic leadership on a 
range of issues affects the American economy, American 
households, and American workers.
    The last 2 decades have emphasized more than ever the 
importance of our global economic policies and how those 
policies affect the U.S. economy, our national security, and 
American families. Shifting trade patterns and rising trade and 
competition with China have directly impacted many communities 
around the United States. The global economic crisis after 2008 
accentuated the importance of global growth to the health of 
our economy. Dealing with the disruption of the flow of goods 
and parts during the pandemic has highlighted the 
interconnectedness of our economy.
    Most recently, U.S. global economic tools are being used to 
respond to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which 
further underscores the importance of our economic diplomacy to 
protect national security. Interconnectedness, financial 
crises, shocks from trade, complicated supply chains, unequal 
global outcomes, the links between foreign and economic 
policies--these are the challenges of our time. If confirmed, I 
look forward to working on these issues and consulting closely 
with the members of this committee and Congress.
    Thank you, Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo. I look 
forward to your questions.
    [The prepared statement of Dr. Shambaugh appears in the 
appendix.]
    The Chairman. Dr. Shambaugh, thank you.
    Dr. Haffajee?

   STATEMENT OF REBECCA LEE HAFFAJEE, Ph.D., NOMINATED TO BE 
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PLANNING AND EVALUATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
           HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, WASHINGTON, DC

    Dr. Haffajee. Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and 
members of the committee, thank you for considering my 
nomination to be the Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation, or the ASPE, within the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services.
    I am honored by President Biden's decision to nominate me 
for this role, and should I be confirmed, I look forward to 
serving under his leadership and Secretary Becerra's 
leadership.
    Before I begin my testimony, I would like to thank my 
family. With me here today is my husband, James Drabick. And 
supporting me virtually are my two young children, Annabelle 
and Samuel, as well as my father and sister, Drs. Charles and 
Jessica Haffajee. With me in spirit is my mother, Dr. Anne 
Haffajee. Without their support and their love, I would not be 
here today.
    My name is Rebecca Haffajee, and I am a lawyer, researcher, 
and policy analyst. And before all of those things I am a 
daughter. Both of my parents were first-generation Americans, 
and both were clinicians. Growing up and watching them work in 
health care inspired my passion for improving health and well-
being outcomes for all Americans.
    My father is still a practicing cardiologist. He loves his 
patients, and his patients love him. And watching him be the 
best physician he can be, and often saving their lives, taught 
me how critical 
patient-centered care is to positive health outcomes.
    My mother was a renowned dental researcher. She is also my 
biggest inspiration. My mother not only lovingly raised a 
family and excelled in her career, but she did so while 
battling long-term cancer throughout much of her life. Her 
battle taught me how important it is to ensure that we are 
doing the best thing for people when they are experiencing 
serious health challenges.
    Though I began my professional career in health-care law, 
my passion really lies in using research and the research 
process to implement policy changes that improve people's 
health and well-being. I spent time living in East Africa 
working in public health on research around care for mothers 
and children affected by HIV/AIDS. For more than a decade, I 
have focused on U.S. health policy research, first as a 
professor at the University of Michigan and then as a policy 
researcher at the RAND Corporation. I am passionate about my 
work because I truly believe that changes made at the Federal, 
State, and local levels can have meaningful impacts when 
research informs that policy.
    While many in government and across the country may not be 
familiar with ASPE, its work changes lives. Researchers at ASPE 
work to ensure that the President, the Secretary, and leaders 
across HHS have the best available data and evidence when they 
are making decisions and measuring the impact of those 
decisions on the population's health and well-being.
    For more than a year now, I have worked within ASPE, 
serving as the Acting Assistant Secretary. I have had the 
opportunity to lead much of the agency's most rigorous research 
and strategic planning. And my understanding of the nuts and 
bolts of the agency, as well as the Department and 
administration at large, and the strong relationships I have 
built, will serve me well in the role, should I be confirmed.
    If confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation, I would work to ensure that ASPE is focused on 
using the best research and data to expand health-care access, 
strengthen behavioral health, and advance equity. We know from 
our work in ASPE that expanding access to health care is 
critical to our Nation's health and well-being. When people do 
not have health-care coverage or that coverage is not high-
quality, we all suffer the consequences.
    Mental health and substance use challenges have been 
exacerbated by COVID-19. But even before the pandemic, this 
area of health was underemphasized and underfunded. ASPE can 
play a critical role in strengthening our Nation's behavioral 
health infrastructure and has demonstrated this already through 
its work on the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy, which I was 
privileged to lead in developing.
    Finally, on equity, to understand why health inequities 
exist and how to best address them, we have to look at the root 
causes--also known as the social determinants of health. Things 
like income, education, housing, social support--these are so 
important to health outcomes. And through ASPE's ongoing social 
determinants of health and equity work, we can understand how 
best to ensure that those in underserved and underresourced 
populations do not experience gaps in services and supports and 
are able to live their healthiest lives.
    None of these priorities I have laid out can be achieved 
without strong partnership and communication, particularly with 
the Congress and with stakeholders across the health-care 
sector. I have learned, in my various roles, the importance of 
listening to and understanding the perspectives of different 
health stakeholders, including patients, providers, and 
governments. These perspectives inform research agendas; the 
data collected and analyzed; and ultimately, effective 
policies.
    The research that ASPE provides is critical to the work of 
HHS and agencies across the Federal Government. If confirmed, I 
look forward to continuing ASPE's transformative work to meet 
the health and well-being needs of our Nation.
    Thank you for considering my nomination, and I look forward 
to your questions.
    [The prepared statement of Dr. Haffajee appears in the 
appendix.]
    The Chairman. Dr. Haffajee, thank you.
    Now I have some obligatory questions I have to ask both of 
you.
    First, is there anything that you are aware of in your 
background that might present a conflict of interest to the 
duties of the office to which you have been nominated?
    Dr. Shambaugh. No.
    Dr. Haffajee. No.
    The Chairman. Second, do you know of any reason, personal 
or otherwise, that would in any way prevent you from fully and 
honorably discharging the responsibilities of the office to 
which you have been nominated?
    Dr. Shambaugh. No.
    Dr. Haffajee. No.
    The Chairman. Third, do you agree, without reservation, to 
respond to any reasonable summons to appear and testify before 
any duly constituted committee of the Congress, if you are 
confirmed?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Yes.
    Dr. Haffajee. Yes.
    The Chairman. Finally, do you commit to providing a prompt 
response in writing to any questions addressed to you by any 
Senator of the committee?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Yes.
    Dr. Haffajee. Yes.
    The Chairman. All right, let's go to questions, and 
beginning with you, Dr. Shambaugh. If you are confirmed, you 
are going to be involved in the debate about global taxation. 
And I recently released an analysis of my current investigation 
into how major pharmaceutical companies are using tax havens to 
avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Our report showed that 
AbbVie had 75 percent of its sales in the United States, but 99 
percent of its profits were reported offshore, much of it in 
tax havens like Bermuda. The report also found that since 2017, 
AbbVie has been able to exploit subsidiaries in offshore tax 
havens to avoid paying billions of dollars in taxes on 
prescription drug sales.
    So, let's picture it this morning. You have Americans 
waiting in line to get their prescriptions filled, wondering 
how they are going to be able to afford their medicines and 
still pay the rent and buy groceries. And then we see these big 
pharmaceutical giants--and, by the way, we are concerned about 
Merck and Abbot as well, because they have been stonewalling 
our questions. So, you have these big pharmaceutical giants 
finding ways to make money here in the United States selling 
medicines, desperately needed medicines, to senior citizens. 
And then they go off and book their profits somewhere else. It 
is textbook tax evasion.
    Now, you are not at the Treasury Department yet, but what 
is your understanding of how reforming our international tax 
system in line with a global minimum tax would address this 
type of tax avoidance?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Well, Senator, I think, first of all, by 
having a global minimum tax from the United States, what it 
would mean is, income booked outside the United States would 
still be facing some sort of tax. It can right now under the 
2017 law, but as your investigation suggests, it is still 
something that firms can avoid.
    The global minimum tax that has been negotiated, my 
understanding is, would also raise that rate somewhat from the 
2017 law, which would bring it a little closer to the U.S. 
statutory rate, which would basically give firms less of an 
incentive to book profits elsewhere.
    I think the really crucial part of it, though, my 
understanding of it, is because it is negotiated with over 100 
countries, it means that other countries would also have a 
global minimum tax set up, so that U.S. firms would not face a 
disadvantage because the U.S. taxes foreign profits, because 
other countries would be doing so as well. So I think, in that 
sense, we would try to harmonize policies across the world and 
have less of a race-to-the-bottom setup--and frankly, really 
less of an incentive to use tax havens.
    The Chairman. I thank you. That is a thoughtful answer, and 
I am not surprised, because you have worked on these global 
economic issues for some time. People always say, ``Oh, this 
stuff is really complicated and hard to sort out.'' It is not 
so complicated when you think, Senator Bennet, about senior 
citizens standing in line in Colorado, trying to figure out how 
they are going to afford their medicine. And then we read about 
these companies that make their profits in the United States, 
hunting and pecking for tax havens around the country to avoid 
paying their fair share. But thank you for your thoughtful 
answer.
    Dr. Haffajee, thank you as well for being here, and for the 
professionalism that you have brought to this whole health 
issue for years in the past.
    I want to ask you about the accelerated FDA approval issue, 
and put it in the context of Alzheimer's, because we all 
desperately want cures for Alzheimer's. My mother got a 
master's degree from Yale in the day when no woman got a 
master's degree, and was dealing with Alzheimer's for well over 
a decade. So we desperately want a cure.
    So, we recently went through the accelerated approval 
process with respect to a new Alzheimer's drug, and I want to 
walk you through what happened.
    The company comes in. We have what amounts to a real 
breakthrough, a cure. So, what is the government going to do? 
The government is going to jack up Part B premiums for seniors 
in order to cover this. Well, it is still questionable what the 
evidence is.
    So, when Dr. Califf was nominated to head the FDA, I asked 
him in considerable detail about whether we ought to have a 
fresh policy. I want to support accelerated approvals for 
desperately needed medicine, but I also want the next step to 
be those critical trials to make sure we get to the bottom of 
the evidence.
    Do you agree with Dr. Califf? And what might you do in your 
position at ASPE, the HHS Department, to promote that 
philosophy? Because I feel very strongly about it. Accelerated 
approval can really give us the opportunity to make 
breakthroughs. But we also have to have the next step, which 
are these critical trials.
    Your thoughts?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you, Senator Wyden, for the question. 
And this is an important one.
    First off, I do agree with Dr. Califf's position that we 
need to make sure that when we have drugs approved through this 
accelerated pathway, that we do the confirmatory studies and 
confirm the clinical benefits. And I would--were I to be 
confirmed, I would support you and Dr. Califf in making sure 
that that happens.
    The Chairman. Very good.
    Senator Crapo?
    Senator Crapo. Thank you, Senator Wyden.
    And, Dr. Shambaugh, the State and local funds that were 
eventually adopted in the American Recovery Plan Act, or ARPA, 
totaled $350 billion, even though many commentators criticized 
that amount as excessive. Indeed, many States reported budget 
surpluses over the last 2 years, with California reporting a 
$76-billion surplus in 2021, and a $98-billion surplus in 2022. 
And also in 2021, California received $26 billion in Federal 
aid under ARPA.
    In light of these circumstances, were the critics of the 
ARPA plan correct in calling the $350-billion State aid package 
excessive?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Senator, it is not an issue I have spent a 
great deal of time looking at. So, from the surface what I 
would say is one of the challenges in crafting some sort of 
bill like that is you do not always know exactly what is coming 
down the pike. And so, the recovery was more rapid, I think, 
than many people expected. And so in that sense, State budgets 
have recovered faster than I think many people were 
anticipating at the time it was passed.
    Senator Crapo. Well, thank you. I actually think that that 
is accurate, and there are many of us who are saying maybe we 
should redirect those funds either back to the Treasury or 
something else. But I will not go into that with you.
    Did the $1.9 trillion of Federal spending in ARPA that was 
unleashed through both State and local aid, as well as through 
direct payments to individuals, did that contribute to our 
inflation over the past 2 years?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think inflation is generally seen by most 
economists to be a function of supply and demand in the 
economy. To the extent that the Rescue Act led to faster 
economic growth than we would have had--fewer people 
unemployed, people with more money in their bank accounts--that 
would have provided some more demand. I think most studies have 
said it is somewhat at the margin, not a massive impact, but 
that it probably left us with less unemployment than we would 
have had and therefore a little more demand in the economy.
    Senator Crapo. Well, just finally on this issue, California 
has a new, what I call a scheme to send residents an additional 
$17 billion in, quote, ``inflation relief,'' end quote, which a 
Bloomberg columnist recently called economic illiteracy of the 
highest order that will increase--and I think what he was 
saying is that that is just going to fuel inflation.
    Would you agree that sending out $17 billion worth of 
checks to people in order to help them deal with inflation is 
actually going to cause a greater inflationary impact?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think the reality is, given the size of 
the economy, $17 billion probably would have a marginal impact. 
It probably would not be all that substantial. I think any more 
money spent at the very small margin could increase inflation, 
but I do not think $17 billion, in the scope of the U.S. 
economy, would probably be a substantial factor.
    Senator Crapo. Well, would you at least agree that pumping 
spending into the economy at this point, when we have a demand 
issue with regard to inflation, is going to cause more demand 
and more inflation?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Yes, I agree. At the margin, more demand is 
going to lead possibly to more inflation. I think things around 
that margin probably would not be a huge impact.
    Senator Crapo. Okay; thank you.
    And, Dr. Haffajee, in 2014--I want to talk to you about the 
public health emergency surrounding COVID.
    In 2014, you and two coauthors wrote that ``the spirit of 
emergency powers laws seems to enshrine three key criteria for 
suspending normal lawmaking processes: the situation is 
exigent; the anticipated or potential harm would be calamitous; 
and the harm cannot be avoided through ordinary procedures.''
    That is what we saw with COVID. ``The lack of clear 
triggering thresholds for terminating emergency powers is 
particularly troubling''--this is, again, from your article--
``creating the possibility that critical legal protections 
might be suspended indefinitely.''
    So the question I have to you, which is one that is being 
asked by many, is, are we still in a public health emergency 
related to COVID-19?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Crapo. 
During COVID-19 we have found that the public health emergency 
declaration by the Secretary has unleashed a number of 
authorities that have been very helpful in addressing the acute 
harms of the pandemic. And for many of those flexibilities, 
there is exploration about whether they should be extended, for 
example telehealth.
    So ultimately, the decision about whether to terminate the 
public health emergency rests with the Secretary. ASPE's role, 
which would continue were I to be confirmed, is to inform that 
with data and evidence around what is the situation on the 
ground? What would need to happen should this public health 
emergency be terminated? It is a complex issue because it 
involves, you know, agencies across HHS, and partnerships with 
the States, which is why the Secretary has said he would give 
60 days' notice before terminating.
    Senator Crapo. Well, thank you for that analysis. You know, 
Senator Wyden and I are working on the lessons to learn from 
some of these emergency actions that have been very helpful and 
maybe should become permanent. I think that should happen in 
regular order, though.
    Thank you.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Crapo. And we will be 
working together on those issues.
    Senator Bennet?
    Senator Bennet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for 
holding the hearing, and thank you both for your willingness to 
serve.
    Dr. Shambaugh, I am concerned. For years across Democratic 
and Republican administrations, we have neglected to implement 
a coherent strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. Instead, China 
has expanded its global influence, including across Latin 
America, for example. Businesses in Colorado and throughout the 
country are experiencing supply chain challenges, driven in 
part by our over-
reliance on China.
    In light of supply chain disruptions due to the COVID 
crisis and ongoing global instability, how can we use our trade 
and development policy to reshore critical supply chains to the 
United States, and near-shore others? Can this strategy 
strengthen our relationship with countries across our 
hemisphere?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Senator. I would say the shortest 
answer is that, yes, policies aimed at re-shoring--or friend-
shoring, as I know Secretary Yellen has referred to it--or 
near-shoring present opportunities to try to strengthen our 
supply chains.
    I think some of that we have seen. I think firms are 
learning on their own that firms that try to minimize costs and 
have only one supplier as the lowest-cost supplier are suddenly 
finding that that may be the lowest cost in good times, but not 
in bad times. And so they are trying to diversify their supply 
chains on their own. But I think these are certainly the kind 
of things--a coherent set of policies aimed to work with 
allies, both across the Indo-Pacific and in the Western 
Hemisphere, can be important as ways to try to make sure that 
we have critical supply chains that are durable and lasting, 
even in bad times.
    Senator Bennet. What kind of tools are available to you, 
the administration, including things like development banks, to 
try to improve the supply chains here and in Latin America as 
well?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Certainly when it comes to the Western 
Hemisphere, the multilateral development banks become an 
important partner for the United States to try to make sure 
that private industry is developing and has access to capital 
in the region. That is an important goal.
    Certainly, across the Indo-Pacific, the new framework that 
the administration has rolled out to try to coordinate better 
with other countries to make sure--whether it is around rules, 
whether it is around sourcing, whether it is around data 
transparency--that as many things as we can do to make sure 
firms understand a coherent set of rules makes it much easier 
for them to transact across countries.
    Senator Bennet. Dr. Haffajee, during your time as Acting 
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, the office 
published a report on the effect of the expanded Advance 
Premium Tax Credit on health insurance coverage. This support 
has reduced premium costs for over 100,000 Coloradans to enroll 
in affordable health insurance plans for the first time, but it 
is set to expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to 
act.
    In Colorado, if we fail to extend this support, people with 
the lowest income could see their premiums increase 2.5 percent 
per month. That is an unacceptable outcome.
    When tax cuts for the rich are about to expire, Congress 
has bent over backwards to find funding to extend them. We need 
to do everything we can to extend the premium support.
    Could you discuss how ending the expanded premium tax 
credits will affect low- and moderate-income Americans, and 
what other kinds of research and evaluation do you intend to 
focus on, should you be confirmed?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Bennet. 
Really here, the HHS and ASPE are committed to expanding access 
and affordability of coverage to as many Americans as possible.
    The Advance Premium Tax Credits have been a really 
important tool from the ACA, but also, as you know, during the 
pandemic through the ARP, the increased generosity of those has 
really made coverage more affordable for more people, and 
covered millions of uninsured who otherwise would not have been 
covered.
    You are correct. ASPE has done some analyses to look at 
what would happen should these go away in 2023. It approximates 
about 15 percent of the population on those plans would lose 
coverage across the country.
    So this is a really important issue to be thinking about as 
we move towards the end of this year. ASPE, were I to be 
confirmed, would continue to conduct data analysis to support 
this Congress and this body in understanding what those 
implications would be.
    Senator Bennet. Thank you both for your testimony.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Bennet.
    Senator Casey?
    Senator Casey. Mr. Chairman, thanks very much.
    I want to thank both witnesses today, and especially for 
your commitment to public service, both Professor Shambaugh and 
Dr. Haffajee.
    I wanted to start, Doctor, with you, to commend the 
research work that you have done and the public policy work you 
have done. I want to ask you a question that focuses on home 
and community-based services for seniors and people with 
disabilities, which is a real failing, the lack of investment 
in this area. It is a real failure of the Federal Government 
over a long period of time.
    The only way you can get those services in America today is 
if you are the beneficiary of a waiver, and the waiting list 
for those waivers is approaching a million people.
    We should invest in the expansion of home and community-
based services if we are going to call ourselves the greatest 
country in the world, and the country that claims to provide 
the best care to our people. But we have not gotten there yet, 
and we've got a battle ahead to get there.
    I wanted to ask you, though, in particular about the fact 
that if we make this investment, it will not only be better for 
seniors to get care in their home, and people with disabilities 
to get care in their home or in the community--and there is an 
extraordinarily high preference for that--but it is also cost-
effective. It is better for the Federal Government if we do 
this.
    So, could you talk about the research that you could do, if 
you were confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation, to assess savings to the Medicare program, if we 
were to increase access to these home and community-based 
services?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Casey. As 
you know, home and community-based care services are so 
important--we have done a lot to shift the balance towards 
those, but have more work to do--and are becoming more and more 
important as we have an aging population, as we have more 
chronic conditions, as people really want to receive care and 
services in their homes as much as possible. I can attest to 
that, having had a mother who had a chronic health condition 
and saw her preference for that strongly.
    I think the principle is that we need to make sure that 
those services are high-quality and meet the needs of our 
beneficiaries, and then also that the workforce is expanded and 
works in safe conditions, and is reimbursed. Those are some of, 
I think, the top priorities there.
    Another important issue, as you note, is that these can be 
cost-effective, both within the Medicaid program where States 
are trying to expand their dollars as much as possible and put 
them towards the most effective services, but also potentially 
in the Medicare program as well.
    And to my understanding, there has not been a lot of 
research so far on that interaction between the Medicaid and 
Medicare populations. If I were to be confirmed, I would be 
happy to have further conversations and think about the ways 
that ASPE could look at that issue.
    Senator Casey. Thank you. And I am grateful you mentioned 
the workforce, because that is another part of the problem. If 
you are going to say you have the best care in the world and 
you are paying people on average 12 bucks an hour, that is not 
the best care in the world. And that is why there is such a 
high turnover and a workforce crisis.
    Professor, I wanted to ask you about labor market recovery. 
What is your view of the most important steps we could take to 
ensure that we complete our labor market recovery?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Well, Senator, I would say in some ways, 
many of those issues would probably rest to my left. I think 
the continuing complications coming from the pandemic continue 
to affect, not necessarily what we will call prime-age workers 
between 25 and 54, but workers who are a little bit older than 
that. Many of them, it seems, still have not reentered the 
labor force. Some of that does seem to be either because they 
are caring for people due to the pandemic, or they are 
concerned about the pandemic themselves. That is one concern I 
would say that we definitely have seen.
    I would say in general, robust growth in the economy is 
often the best tonic for the labor market. And so, continuing a 
strong economy is the best way to get people to work, 
generally.
    Senator Casey. Thanks very much.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. I thank my colleague.
    Dr. Haffajee, I just want to build for a quick second on 
what Senator Casey was talking about with respect to elder care 
at home.
    One of the things that I look at--and I have been at this 
since the days when I was with the Gray Panthers, years and 
years ago--is, what are the principles that we ought to be 
looking at for the future? I think health-care prevention would 
obviously be one in your bailiwick.
    But Senator Casey has been prosecuting this case so well, 
and so relentlessly, on another area that ought to be a 
foundation of American health care, and that is more care at 
home, as he noted. And I remember watching him work--the 
Gerontology Association is supportive of the work that Senator 
Casey is doing to be able to give people more care where they 
want it, at home, at less cost. That is about as good as it 
gets in terms of public policy.
    So I really look forward to working with you as you follow 
up on Senator Casey's work with respect to elder care. Because 
if you look at two of the key crucial health pinnacles for the 
future, one is prevention and the other is taking care of 
people at home.
    And by the way, what we found on this committee is there is 
huge interest in America's technology sector, because they too 
know that there is an opportunity to get more services that are 
compassionate and cost-effective. So I want to work with you as 
you follow up with Senator Casey.
    Thank you. I thank my colleague.
    Senator Lankford?
    Senator Lankford. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Dr. Shambaugh, I want to ask you a little bit about the 
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. You would 
oversee that, obviously. There is an area that is left out 
currently in oversight, and that is agriculture. The Department 
of Agriculture is not sitting at the table and not helping to 
make some of those decisions. There is a tremendous amount of 
investment that is coming from nonmarket economies to the 
United States in agriculture.
    I want to get your opinion on that, whether that needs to 
be included. That becomes a policy issue for us that we have to 
be able to correct, but it is also a preference issue for you 
as well.
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Senator. I think security of food 
and our supply chains there, and the way to make sure that we 
are getting food safely from farm to table in the United 
States, is incredibly important.
    I think honestly, whether the Department of Agriculture 
should be part of CFIUS or not is a question for Congress. It 
is not something, certainly, I would want to weigh in on 
directly. I can say that I had the opportunity, when I was on 
staff at the CEA, to work at times on CFIUS. The professionals 
there are incredibly dedicated and take that job incredibly 
seriously, and I think would take the input that Congress 
thinks they should be taking.
    Senator Lankford. Do you think that is a need at this 
point?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Without talking to the Assistant Secretary 
there, or to the terrific staff there, it is a little hard for 
me to know to what extent they feel they can get what they need 
from the Department of Agriculture under the current setup: by 
asking questions.
    When it comes to the national security aspects, it was 
always, at least in my experience, the intelligence agencies, 
the national security agencies, that would brief the rest of 
the committee as to whether a transaction was a risk.
    They may feel they can get that by just going and asking 
the Department of Agriculture, or they may feel it would be 
helpful to have Agriculture in the room. I cannot speak to 
that.
    Senator Lankford. We will follow up in the days ahead. I'd 
be interested in your strategy in trying to be able to 
coordinate with the executive directors of IMF, World Bank, the 
IDB, in trying to be able to get a more consistent policy set, 
and to be able to make sure it is consistent with our national 
foreign policy. And obviously, I want to deal with some of the 
issues of China and how they are trying to affect some of those 
entities as well in what they are doing.
    What is your perspective on that?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I would say--as I think this administration 
has often spoken--we are in many ways in a competition with 
China. And I do not think that it is strictly an economic 
competition around given sectors. I think it is also a 
competition for a different vision of how the global economy 
should be organized. And I think a large part of that for the 
United States is effectively using the international financial 
institutions, and the multilateral development banks, because 
we see a world where institutions and the rule of law and 
transparency and accountability are important.
    And to me, those are institutions we should use very 
effectively. If I were confirmed to this position, I would take 
very seriously my engagement with the executive directors and 
try to make sure that we are always carrying out presenting a 
good alternate option to engaging with China for countries--
whether it is in loans or other sorts of engagement--to make 
sure that that example is always out there of high standards, 
accountability, transparency, and really holding to our values 
in our economic diplomacy.
    Senator Lankford. Yes. With the World Bank--obviously China 
has graduated, under their standards, from being a developing 
country, yet they are still listed as a developing country. 
That time period wanes in about 3 more years at this point, and 
they are going to ask for a renewal, without question, on that.
    Is that something that should be renewed for China as a 
developing country under World Bank standards?
    Dr. Shambaugh. My understanding, Senator, is you are 
absolutely correct that, based on income levels, China has 
graduated past the normal view of a loan-eligible country. I 
know it is a complicated process when countries graduate. It 
does not happen strictly based on the income cutoff. My 
understanding is that back in 2018, the World Bank stated that 
they would start moving in this direction. It is something that 
I would spend a lot of time on, because I think it is an 
important issue.
    Senator Lankford. It is an important issue, and China does 
not need to stay as a developing country, with special drawing 
rights and that kind of authority being given to a country. Do 
you think the special drawing rights given to a country should 
be given to them so they could then pay back the Belt and Road 
Initiative loans to China?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think we would want to make sure that any 
funds that are going to poor or emerging market countries are 
not being used to simply rechannel them towards China. And so 
that is something we would pay attention to.
    Senator Lankford. I would agree on that. That is one we 
need to be able to engage in.
    This tax conversation that is happening--you had used the 
term ``less of a race to the bottom'' earlier on tax policy. My 
concern is twofold. One is, other countries seem to be more 
informed of what is happening in the negotiations than Congress 
is, and Congress is going to have to speak on this. We get to 
read about the negotiations. Other countries actually get to 
participate in them. I think that is a problem, and that needs 
to be corrected with consultation and information, not after 
the fact.
    The second part of this is, this race to the bottom on the 
tax piece has a huge gap in it that is not just the tax rate on 
it, but it is also that other countries that subsidize are 
excluded from that. So it is not really a race to the bottom on 
tax policy, it is a race to the bottom on subsidies.
    So there is a very large problem in all of this negotiation 
that seems to be left out of this. I am trying to figure out 
where this is going to go, and if you agree that basically the 
current policy that we have in the United States on credits--
other countries just get to not count their subsidies, but our 
credits are counted. So you are talking about trying to change 
American tax policy to match more of Europe's tax policy, when 
they get a chance to waive it.
    Is that a problem? Because it looks like a very different 
race to the bottom is happening.
    Dr. Shambaugh. Senator, I would say that I am not in the 
building yet, and so obviously I was not part of the 
negotiations, so I also do not know a great deal about some of 
the specifics yet.
    In terms of the question of subsidies versus different 
types of credits, all I would say is, if I were confirmed, I 
would certainly intend to consult with and engage with Congress 
carefully on the issue to make sure that any agreement that is 
being struck, or any details that are being finalized, are 
being done in a way that makes sense with other policies 
Congress has in mind.
    Senator Lankford. Well, just keeping Congress engaged in 
that would be helpful.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. I thank my colleague. And I just want him to 
know that I look forward to working with him on this whole 
issue of global taxation. Clearly what we are looking for is a 
way to ensure that we are competitive in these top global 
markets, so that we promote job creation. And, as you heard me 
say, what I am particularly concerned about is tax avoidance, 
because we have seen, particularly with AbbVie--and I am 
concerned about the possibility of Merck and Abbott doing 
exactly the same thing--some really flagrant cases. So I 
appreciate my colleague being interested in this whole area, 
and I look forward to working with him.
    My colleague, Senator Cortez Masto.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. Hello. Welcome. 
Congratulations.
    Let me--is it Haffajee? Did I pronounce it right, Doctor? 
Thank you. Thank you for your work with ASPE to date, as Acting 
Assistant Secretary as well.
    Let me talk a little bit about kids' mental health. I 
appreciate how much attention ASPE has paid to the mental 
health challenges that so many families are facing today. Every 
time I go home I hear from Nevadans struggling to find services 
that will meet their needs, or the needs of their loved ones.
    ASPE's work helps us to quantify those issues so that both 
the administration and Congress can move to address them. One 
report explores child and adolescent mental health during 
COVID-19 and provides considerations for schools and early 
childhood education providers.
    Can you talk a little bit about how ASPE works with other 
agencies, both at HHS and across the government, to share the 
findings from your work?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you, Senator Cortez Masto, and that is 
a great question.
    And, as you know, youth mental health has been so important 
for a long time, but also particularly during COVID-19, and it 
is something that I am personally extremely invested in. You 
know, I think it is really important for coordination within 
HHS and across the Federal Government on this issue. For many 
children, some of the issue is identifying mental health and 
making sure that services are available in the settings where 
they will receive them--things like making sure that services 
are available in schools and other settings where we are 
identifying risk factors early. And so ASPE works intimately 
with the Administration for Children and Families, along with 
other sister agencies, to make sure that the studies that ASPE 
does are important to questions that they want answered. And 
then, ASPE makes sure that those results are available, both 
within government and to bodies like this committee. And I 
would commit to doing so as much as possible, were I to be 
confirmed.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. I would hope so, because 
clearly this idea, for me, of bringing essential resources into 
my community requires Federal agencies, everybody to work 
together and coordinate and get outside of their silos, quite 
honestly, and just make sure we are focused, particularly when 
it comes to our children's mental health, but in general 
behavioral health and mental health services.
    Let me follow up on that, because I know this coming 
Saturday, which is July 16th, marks the launch of 988, the 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For the first time, we 
know that assistance for those in mental health crisis will be 
just 3 digits away.
    Here is my biggest concern: I think it is great we have 
that hotline, and we are working to make sure we have people to 
staff it. But if we do not have services for them to be 
referred to, we are going to be doing a lot of disservice to so 
many in need.
    So I know that more needs to be done to connect callers to 
services for acute and ongoing needs. I am hoping that you can 
talk a little bit about the work ASPE has done thus far in this 
space, and are we prepared for it? Or what do we still need to 
do to address those essential services where there is a gap in 
services?
    Dr. Haffajee. Yes, thank you for the question and for your 
work on mobile crisis in the past, and this committee's.
    You know, 988 is so important in building on State systems 
to respond to a mental health and substance use crisis and 
really create a Federal infrastructure to work with States as 
well. I know SMHSA has been working very, very hard to make 
sure that those services are ready, and to bring to bear the 
resources that would be needed.
    I think the Safer Communities Act also extends those 
resources quite a bit. So all of those are very helpful. ASPE's 
role is really to inform with data and evidence what would be 
needed, and to help support SMHSA in that.
    There are, to my understanding, ongoing evaluations there, 
and I would commit to looking at that deeply and making sure 
that the implementation is rolled out as smoothly as possible, 
and that we are continuing to evaluate what else is needed.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Right. Thank you. Thank you.
    Dr. Shambaugh, let me talk to you a little bit about 301 
tariff exclusions. And again, also to you, congratulations.
    I have a company in my State, it is Haas Automation, and 
the company is expanding domestic production in Nevada. It is 
one of the few domestic computer numerically controlled machine 
manufacturers remaining in the United States. And I think, like 
all of my colleagues, we all believe that maintaining a strong 
domestic source of these CNC machines is crucial for both the 
economy and domestic security.
    Haas requires an extraordinary amount of cast iron castings 
to make CNC machines, an amount that far exceeds what is 
domestically capable of being produced by U.S. foundries and 
non-Chinese sources. Therefore, China is currently the only 
source that can produce the necessary volume of quality 
castings.
    Because the imported castings are of Chinese origin, they 
are on List 3 of the section 301 tariffs. And this company has 
been denied six different exclusion requests, without 
explanation, but was able to use granted exclusions from other 
sources. And as of August 2020, those exclusions expired and 
all requests for extensions were denied without explanation.
    I absolutely support the Senate's SECRETS bill that would 
direct USTR to open a new exclusion process and follow certain 
transparency and accountability guidelines when considering 
petitions. If confirmed, you would have a role in international 
economic diplomacy, specifically trade and China's impact on 
our domestic supply chain. Haas is just one example of domestic 
manufacturing being impacted by China's strong hold on our 
supply chain.
    How do you plan to lead Treasury's engagement on trade 
negotiations, particularly in the areas of investment and 
supply chains?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Senator. I would say with regard 
to the specific issue around 301 exclusions, that would 
certainly sit more with USTR. But around the broader issue of 
the 301 tariffs that are in place, I think that is one area 
where Secretary Yellen has talked about the fact that these 
tariffs--many of them were put in place as a specific response 
to specific Chinese actions, and I think it is incredibly 
important to respond strongly to China when they take actions.
    Some of the tariffs, though, it seemed like they were a bit 
more of a back-and-forth with China that maybe had less of a 
strategic orientation to them. And so, I think looking 
carefully at which of these tariffs should be at what level, as 
the economy has changed since they were put in place, is an 
important issue.
    I think, more broadly, trying to make sure that we can do 
what we can to have sufficient sourcing for supply chains--
partly in the United States but also across a range of 
countries, so that we are less vulnerable to shocks with 
regards to a particular country--is a really important goal for 
us. To try to make sure our supply chains are more resilient in 
the face of shocks, I think would make us all much better off.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you.
    The Chairman. I thank my colleague. And as usual, my 
colleague really hits the key challenge on that last point on 
trade, because, of course, we want tough trade enforcement, but 
we also want market access. We want, for example, companies 
like yours to be able to get answers. So I thank my colleague, 
as usual, for hitting a key point.
    Next up is Senator Thune.
    Senator Thune. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to both of 
you. It is good to have you here.
    Dr. Haffajee, congratulations on your nomination, and 
thanks for your service at HHS to date. I believe this was 
covered in your staff interview, but I want to be sure to bring 
it up on the record.
    As policymakers, we are evaluating long-term telehealth 
policies for when the public health emergency is over. It would 
be helpful for the agency to be able to provide Congress data 
on utilization trends, including by modality, such as audio-
visual and audio-only, as is currently permitted now.
    Is this something that HHS could commit to doing, if you 
are confirmed?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the important question, Senator 
Thune. And you know, telehealth has been so important during 
the pandemic. We have really learned so much already, but we 
need to continue these evaluations as well.
    ASPE has done a fair amount of work on telehealth 
utilization across payers, across populations, and some by 
modality, as much as we can identify that, and shown vast 
increases, but also some disparities that need to be addressed 
as well.
    And so, yes, I would commit to continuing to evaluate that, 
and I think the modality issue is very important, as you know.
    Senator Thune. Thank you.
    When discussing the Supreme Court's decision to overturn 
Roe v. Wade, Secretary Becerra recently stated, and I quote, 
``If there is something that we can do, we will find it and we 
will do it at HHS,'' end quote.
    If confirmed, what role do you expect you might play in 
finding something that HHS can do?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Thune. 
HHS is committed, with reproductive health services and all 
health and human services, to meet the needs of beneficiaries, 
but also to follow the law. And I would commit to doing both. 
ASPE's role really is to support, if asked by the Secretary for 
any data and evidence on these issues.
    Senator Thune. So, just to follow up that, if you would not 
be directly involved in a response, you do anticipate that the 
office would be involved in future efforts to conduct research 
to support HHS's pro-abortion policy?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question. Again, if asked--
this has not been a major area of ASPE's focus in the past--but 
if asked, we would look into issues like access, you know, what 
the data actually says about that, to inform decisions.
    Senator Thune. Dr. Shambaugh, on April 8th of last year you 
wrote a piece for Brookings titled, and I quote, ``Don't 
Overreact to Inflation Data This Spring,'' end quote. The 
average inflation rate in March of that year when the American 
Rescue Plan became law was 2.6 percent. The following month, 
the inflation rate was 4.2 percent.
    Since that time, U.S. inflation has skyrocketed to 8.6 
percent, which is a 40-year high. Food, gas, and shelter have 
contributed to some of the biggest price increases, and 
tomorrow's Consumer Price Index figures could be even higher.
    Behind these historically high inflation numbers are 
Americans who are experiencing real financial challenges, 
particularly the less fortunate among our society. The question 
is, do you expect U.S. inflation to continue to increase, and 
how long do you expect an elevated level of U.S. inflation to 
be the norm?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I 
guess, in terms of what do I expect from inflation, I would say 
recent inflation that we have seen, say in the last 6 months, a 
great deal of it has been a response to Russia's invasion of 
Ukraine. In terms of what we have seen in commodity markets in 
particular, and in energy markets, those things seem to be 
priced in. So I think, on average, many economists, at least 
every forecast I have seen, expects to see inflation start to 
come down.
    The piece you referred to was actually talking about an 
issue that I believe relevant here, which is that we typically 
measure inflation as the change over 12 months. And back then 
we were worried about the fact that the 12 months ago would 
have been the peak of the pandemic, and so the data was going 
to look very odd for a little bit.
    I think in terms of what we expect to see with inflation 
going forward, the same issue will be there, which is, there 
were spikes in energy and commodity prices at the start of the 
Russian invasion. Those will sit in the 12-month inflation data 
for a considerable amount of time still.
    Senator Thune. Well, let me just, because I think--with all 
due respect, South Dakotans, and I would imagine most 
Americans, have literally had it up to here with inflation. And 
I do not think they believe that the Biden administration is 
taking it seriously. And to your point, energy is a perfect 
example of that. And I think there is a direct correlation 
between policy decisions made by the administration and what 
the American people are experiencing at the pump. And I would 
argue the same thing with respect to spending and taxing. And 
we are talking now about another spending and taxing proposal. 
To the degree that Congress has something to say about fiscal 
policy, it seems to me that that is the absolutely wrong 
prescription at a time when we are trying to get inflation 
under control. With $2 trillion in spending last year--and I 
just mentioned the statistics--we went from 2.6 to 4.2 to 8.6. 
It is clear that the supply and demand are out of equilibrium.
    A lot of that has to do with energy and the shutdown of 
American energy production--and I think the spending and tax 
regulatory policies of the administration. So I would just urge 
you to take a look at this with the utmost seriousness, because 
I know the American people are, and it is affecting them in a 
very direct way, and their pocketbooks, on a daily basis.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Thune.
    Senator Daines?
    Senator Daines. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
    Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision 
to return the power back to the people and their elected 
representatives to enact laws to protect life. Since that 
ruling, I have been disappointed by ongoing efforts by the left 
to promote abortion on demand. One of the most outrageous 
proposals has been the use of Federal lands to set up abortion 
clinics to circumvent State law. When asked about this 
recently, Secretary Becerra responded, and I quote, ``Every 
option is on the table.''
    I believe that our public lands should be life-giving to 
Americans, not life-taking.
    A question for Dr. Haffajee. If confirmed, you will be 
responsible for advising Secretary Becerra on policy 
development as well as strategic planning. Do you think the 
Federal Government should allow the building of an abortion 
clinic on Federal lands?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Daines. 
Here again, HHS is committed to providing health and human 
services to all populations, including reproductive health 
services.
    I think that may be a legal question better left to OGC and 
other colleagues. Again, ASPE's role would be to support with 
data and evidence as asked.
    Senator Daines. But what is your view on that? You are 
going to play--I mean, you are going through this process 
because, if confirmed, you are going to have a very important 
role of advising Secretary Becerra. Do you think the Federal 
Government should allow the building of an abortion clinic on 
Federal lands?
    Dr. Haffajee. I think to me, it again comes down to both 
the law and the data and evidence around what is needed for 
different populations. So I am not sure that my personal view 
would be as relevant there, and I really do defer back to, what 
does the science say? What do the data and evidence say?
    Senator Daines. So you are saying it is possible if the 
data and evidence suggested it, that should be done?
    Dr. Haffajee. I think understanding what localities and 
States, what the laws are there, what those populations need, 
and then making sure that those services are available, would 
be very important.
    Senator Daines. So, you are open to the idea?
    Dr. Haffajee. I--I would have to get back to you on that.
    Senator Daines. You can get back to me now. [Laughter.] How 
about a national park? Should that be an option on the table?
    Dr. Haffajee. I mean, ultimately, again this is going to be 
the Secretary's decision----
    Senator Daines. But you are going to play an important role 
there. I mean, you cannot just say--you will be, if appointed 
and confirmed, you are going to be in a very important advisory 
capacity here. So your opinion really matters.
    Dr. Haffajee. Yes. I appreciate the question and the 
importance of ASPE's role. You know, I do think that, again, 
here I would look to the data, try to inform what populations 
need to meet their health and well-being needs, and then leave 
it to the Secretary to make those decisions.
    Senator Daines. But you are open to the option, it sounds 
like?
    Dr. Haffajee. [Laughter.] I mean----
    Senator Daines. You are not saying ``no''?
    Dr. Haffajee. To be honest, I have not looked deeply enough 
into that issue to have formed a strong opinion.
    Senator Daines. After President Biden signed an executive 
order last Friday to promote abortion, he said yesterday that 
he is considering declaring a public health emergency on 
abortion access.
    Dr. Haffajee, you wrote an article in The New England 
Journal of Medicine titled, ``What Is a Public Health 
Emergency?'' where you raised concerns about the overuse of 
emergency powers. You wrote, and I quote, ``There is also an 
instrumental reason to be concerned about the overuse of 
emergency powers. If this crucial tool is used too readily, 
public health officials may find themselves like the boy who 
cried wolf. The warnings about emergencies may go unheeded. 
Moreover, the public may lose trust in health officials, which 
may result in a loss of political legitimacy as well as a 
backlash about public health laws more generally.''
    Dr. Haffajee, do you hold those same views today?
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator Daines; 
and, yes, I do. I do believe, as both a lawyer and a public 
health researcher, that we need to think about, when we are 
using powers, that they are needed----
    Senator Daines. Do you think----
    Dr. Haffajee [continuing]. And that they are----
    Senator Daines. Do you think it is an abuse of emergency 
authority for President Biden to declare a public health 
emergency on abortion?
    Dr. Haffajee. Again, that would be up to the Secretary and 
the President to make those determinations.
    Senator Daines. But I am asking you what you think of it. 
You wrote very eloquently about your concerns over the use of 
emergency powers. So do you think it was an abuse of authority 
when he declared this a public health emergency?
    Dr. Haffajee. I thank you for the question. I think, here 
again, I think about, does it meet the criteria for a public 
health emergency; is this an urgent public health need; and 
really are these powers going to address any of the problems 
that are trying to be solved? And so again, ASPE would help to 
inform, with data and evidence, but ultimately that would be a 
secretarial or presidential decision.
    Senator Daines. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Daines.
    Senator Whitehouse?
    Senator Whitehouse. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is good to 
be back.
    Dr. Shambaugh, if I could ask you a couple of questions 
about the international corporate tax agreement that Secretary 
Yellen helped negotiate. First off, do you know what a race to 
the bottom is?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Yes, I do.
    Senator Whitehouse. Describe what a race to the bottom is.
    Dr. Shambaugh. With regards to corporate taxation?
    Senator Whitehouse. Just generally, but sure, if you wish.
    Dr. Shambaugh. In anything, the race to the bottom idea is 
that countries might feel a need to continually lower standards 
or tax rates to try to attract firms back and forth from one 
another so that you wind up with very low corporate tax rates, 
or very low labor standards, or something like that.
    Senator Whitehouse. And corporations can game that system 
because, actually, getting themselves into a particular tax 
jurisdiction does not require a whole lot more than just filing 
legal papers. Correct?
    Dr. Shambaugh. That is right. And especially because they 
can book income in places without necessarily moving that much 
activity, depending on how they use transfer prices.
    Senator Whitehouse. And the international corporate tax 
agreement that Secretary Yellen helped negotiate would stem the 
race to the bottom in international corporate tax rates, would 
it not?
    Dr. Shambaugh. It would. It would provide a global minimum 
tax so that firms would be paying taxes on income regardless of 
if they have moved profits to a different destination.
    Senator Whitehouse. And if the destination country does not 
charge the tax, they still have to pay it and it goes to the 
compliant countries, does it not?
    Dr. Shambaugh. That is right. There is what I think is a 
somewhat creative policy choice to put in an untaxed profits 
rule that would allow countries that have put in place a global 
minimum tax to go after, in a sense, the revenue from countries 
that are not putting that policy in place. And so it would--it 
is what economists would call kind of a self-enforcing 
mechanism to try to get everyone else to join.
    Senator Whitehouse. And the incentive to destination 
countries to cheat on the international corporate tax program 
is dissipated if the tax is going to be collected anyway. They 
are just not going to get it.
    Dr. Shambaugh. That's right. There is less of an incentive 
to have low tax rates for a country, and there is less of an 
incentive for a firm to try to move to a low-tax destination.
    Senator Whitehouse. And in terms of competitiveness, we 
hear the companies that would like to enjoy little, no, or 
negative taxation, doing a lot of complaining about actually 
having to pay taxes. And one of the arguments that these big 
multinationals make is that it would interfere with their 
competitiveness.
    I come from Rhode Island. We have a lot of small businesses 
in my State. And one of the things that I see is, those small 
businesses are at a huge competitive disadvantage against big 
multinationals because those small businesses actually pay 
taxes. They do not have the size or the legal staff to go out 
and reincorporate themselves in foreign countries and go 
through all the machinations to hide from tax paying. So at the 
end of the day, the big multinationals pay no taxes when 
competing with American companies that pay taxes. And it seems 
to me that that creates a significant competitive disadvantage 
for smaller American businesses.
    Is that a sensible way to look at the competitiveness 
problem?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think it is absolutely fair to say that 
firms that do not have overseas activities do not have the same 
options in terms of what they can do with taxes. I also think--
again going back to your point about it being a global minimum 
tax. Other countries are now employing a global minimum tax 
themselves, so the argument that it is a disadvantage for U.S. 
firms if the United States employs one, that starts to fade, 
because----
    Senator Whitehouse. Particularly if the tax gets charged 
even in cheating or noncompliant countries, and they just do 
not get the revenue. Then it really is an across-the-board 
floor below which the race to the bottom has no real reason to 
go.
    Dr. Shambaugh. I believe that is correct.
    Senator Whitehouse. Well, thank you. It is helpful to have 
you clarify that.
    Dr. Haffajee, I just wanted to offer a thought to you as we 
get going, as we are going to continue to talk about this, that 
I have been kind of a maven of delivery system reform, of 
trying to reduce the actual cost of providing care by getting 
away from fee-for-
service, and following what in the Obama era was called the 
triple aim, and so forth. And it seems to me that HHS has sort 
of lost sight of that aim. It is no longer anything that 
anybody talks about very much. It is hard work trying to get 
people to pay attention to opportunities to proceed that way.
    And I would just like your thoughts on the importance now, 
particularly as we look at Medicare, cost, insolvency, of 
following the triple aim.
    Dr. Haffajee. Thank you for the question, Senator 
Whitehouse. I fully agree with addressing the costs and long-
term continuation of our programs. Medicare insolvency, as you 
note, is a top priority, to make sure these programs are 
available for beneficiaries, and as high-quality as they can 
be.
    And so I appreciate your work on ACOs and other delivery 
system reforms in the past, and I look forward to working with 
you more on those ideas.
    Senator Whitehouse. Thank you. And as the chairman notes, 
this work does not cut benefits for beneficiaries. This work 
actually very often expands benefits for them and meets them 
where they are and helps them live healthier lives.
    So it is a real win/win, and I appreciate the chairman's 
indulgence, and also his interest and support in this over many 
years.
    The Chairman. You will have it, Senator Whitehouse.
    And just on your earlier point with respect to the global 
taxation issue--because we have been talking about this with 
Dr. Shambaugh over the course of the morning--your point had 
not been made yet that American small businesses that pay their 
fair share of taxes are disadvantaged compared to, for example, 
what the staff found last week with respect to AbbVie, the 
giant drug company, where they basically make all their sales 
in the United States, and they book their profits elsewhere.
    And that of course is why it is so important that we also 
get answers from AbbVie and Merck, and they have been 
stonewalling our investigators, which raises a question in my 
mind whether they are up to the same sort of thing.
    But I look forward very much to working with you, and I 
thank you especially for making that point, because mine is a 
small business State. We are overwhelmingly small businesses. 
And you put it in focus about what it means to American small 
businesses that pay their fair share. They are disadvantaged by 
that, and I thank you for it.
    Senator Warren?
    Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    American families are getting hammered by soaring prices, 
while giant corporations are raking in huge profits. And one 
big reason for that is that corporate lobbyists have rigged our 
tax code to reward offshoring.
    Now, offshoring means fewer good jobs for American workers. 
It also means overseas supply chains that keep breaking on 
American consumers.
    Professor Shambaugh, if confirmed, you would be Treasury's 
top international official leading work on investment issues. 
So today I wanted to talk with you about how our tax code 
disincentivizes investments in U.S. manufacturing.
    I would like to talk about AbbVie, the company that the 
chairman just raised, a big pharma company known for jacking up 
drug prices and exploiting tax breaks for offshoring.
    Now, AbbVie has manufacturing in Ireland, where it pays 
just 12.5 percent of its profits in taxes. Now, the U.S. has 
international minimum tax rules that are supposed to prevent 
the abuse of tax havens, topping up AbbVie's tax bill if it 
pays too little overseas. But giant loopholes in this minimum 
tax mean that AbbVie still gets a huge tax break for investing 
in Ireland instead of the U.S.
    Professor Shambaugh, do you agree that our tax code should 
level the playing field for U.S. manufacturing and incentivize 
investments in the U.S. rather than in tax havens?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I would agree that we would want our tax 
code to encourage investment in production in the United 
States.
    Senator Warren. Okay; so let's dive into that a bit more. I 
agree with you, but tax loopholes are rewarding AbbVie's 
offshoring of drug manufacturing to tax havens. But here is the 
part I want to focus on. It gets worse by including tax 
incentives to offshore to high-tax countries as well. So take 
Germany, where AbbVie also has a manufacturing facility and the 
corporate tax rate is about 30 percent, much higher than the 
U.S. rate of 21 percent.
    You would think that would mean investing in the U.S. is 
more attractive than investing in Germany. But because our 
international minimum tax rules look at all foreign taxes in 
totality, paid together, AbbVie can use high taxes in Germany 
to shield its low-tax Irish income. AbbVie would not get the 
same benefit for paying U.S. taxes. So it is actually 
incentivized to invest in high-tax Germany rather than 
investing here in the United States.
    So, Professor Shambaugh, when you think about our 
international investment policy, does it make sense to invest 
in rewarding investing in Germany over investing in the United 
States?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think we, as a country, do better when 
companies are choosing their location based off the skills of 
the workers and productivity of the economy and not gaming tax 
rates.
    Senator Warren. All right. So look, I agree with you on 
this. Our international tax rules are broken, and incentivizing 
companies like AbbVie to invest everywhere outside the United 
States--low-tax, high-tax--makes no sense at all.
    So, would it surprise you then that AbbVie has used these 
broken rules to slash its effective tax rate in half, and that 
it books 99 percent of its income overseas?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I guess in some sense it would not surprise 
me, based off some of the things I have heard the chairman say 
so far today, but it does not sound like the way we want our 
tax system to function.
    Senator Warren. So would you like to see changes in the 
system?
    Dr. Shambaugh. I think having a global tax system that 
would not encourage booking profits in tax havens would 
definitely be better for the country.
    Senator Warren. I know you have done work on this, and I 
appreciate the work you have done. I also want to say how much 
I appreciate the work that Chairman Wyden has done on this, 
long and consistently.
    We just have to recognize that corporate lobbyists have 
rigged our tax code for big pharma, and that it is 
incentivizing offshoring when we need to be investing in good 
jobs and secure supply chains here at home.
    This is why Secretary Yellen has negotiated a historic 
minimum tax agreement, and why congressional Democrats are 
working to end big pharma's overseas tax breaks, and to lower 
prescription drug prices.
    I know that corporate lobbyists are kicking and screaming 
because they like a situation where their companies do not have 
to pay taxes, and they like to be able to continue to raise 
their prices. But our job is to put American workers, American 
small businesses, American consumers first. And we need to 
reward investments here in America, instead of everywhere else 
in the world.
    So thank you very much, both of you, for your work.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Warren. That last point in 
particular, it is really a question of, whose side are you on? 
Are you on the side of the consumers and small businesses, or 
are you just going to say the big guys can continue to practice 
tax avoidance?
    I would also note--and I think my colleague knows a little 
bit about the roots of this--that Senator Brown, Senator 
Warner, and I, working with virtually every member of our 
caucus, the Democratic Caucus, and the Finance Committee, put 
together an agreement that embodies most of these kinds of 
thoughts.
    So it is pretty clear that you can get agreement across the 
political divide on these tough issues when you work together 
and point out, whose side are you on? Because right now the 
consumers and small businesses in America, as my colleagues 
point out, are getting the short end of the stick. And I 
appreciate that.
    All right, let's see. Do we have any--okay, no Republicans.
    Dr. Shambaugh, just one question. It has been a long 
morning, and I appreciate both of you and your patience. 
Apropos of this whole issue of what you will be doing in the 
future, if confirmed, you will be working at the G7, the G20, 
the International Monetary Fund--my wife always says, ``What 
are all these initials?'' But the point is, the key economic 
institutions with respect to how Americans are going to get 
effected.
    And I wanted to ask your thoughts, apropos of isolating 
Russia and ways in which we can get additional sanctions 
against Russia without any additional pressure on the hit that 
American consumers are already taking at the gas pump. I mean, 
we have to get relief for them. We have been working on our Big 
Oil Tax Fairness bill, which essentially gets at the question 
of, hey, why are we in effect giving breaks for stock buybacks, 
rather than giving breaks for the mom who is trying to afford 
gas at the pump to take her kid to child care?
    So tell us how you would approach this question of 
isolating Russia with respect to sanctions without getting even 
a bigger hit for Americans who are getting clobbered at the gas 
pump.
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think the general 
policy that I have heard expressed, coming from both Treasury 
and the White House on this issue, has been that the goal is 
always and everywhere to inflict the most amount of damage as 
possible on the Russian economy in response to this terrible 
invasion, and at the same time minimize the damage to the rest 
of the world and to the United States in terms of economic 
fallout.
    I know a number of steps have been taken already. Many more 
continue to be investigated in terms of how to limit Russia's 
revenue, in particular from energy exports, while at the same 
time not disrupting energy markets any more than is necessary.
    So I think there is constant work that can be done updating 
those things, as well as trying to limit what Russia can buy 
with that revenue. And I think that has been crucial as well, 
that if they cannot buy the parts they need for their war 
machine, even if they are selling oil abroad, that limits what 
they can do. And so I think there is a great deal of work that 
is constantly being updated, because these are things that are 
complicated processes to engage in. But it is work that I would 
certainly be seriously engaged in, and obviously in contact 
with the committee, if I were confirmed.
    The Chairman. Thank you.
    One last question. You have spent a lot of time looking at 
the issues of currency manipulation. Currency manipulation has 
long been of interest to members of this committee, both 
Democrats and Republicans, because currency manipulation abroad 
in effect almost acts like a subsidy providing a country's 
home-grown producers with an unfair advantage over American 
workers and American businesses--also in my State, which 
depends deeply on exports. About one out of three jobs in 
Oregon revolves around trade. The trade jobs pay better than do 
the non-trade jobs. We do not want to have a policy with 
respect to currency that tilts the playing field against U.S. 
exports.
    Now, Treasury works bilaterally with countries to resolve 
currency manipulation issues, once they have been identified in 
your report. So this looks to me like an area that might be 
beefed up. You have Indo-Pacific issues, obviously the Americas 
Partnership for Economic Prosperity, the traditional forums--I 
just rattled off some of them. What are your thoughts about 
strengthening the rules to protect the American small 
businesses and consumers against currency manipulation?
    Dr. Shambaugh. Thank you, Senator. When it comes to 
currency manipulation, Congress has been very explicit in terms 
of what the rules are that Treasury should use in terms of 
defining a country that is a currency manipulator, and 
personally, I actually think it is very helpful that those 
rules are explicit and not too abstract, because it makes it 
clear it is not a political decision by Treasury. They are 
following a set of rules that Congress has given us.
    And if I were confirmed, I would take those rules very 
seriously. But to your point about bilateral consultations, as 
well as some of the global forums, I think whether a country 
is, in any 6-month period, labeled a manipulator or not, that 
does not mean that Treasury does not still have a lot of work 
to do engaging with those countries around their currency 
policies. It is something that I would expect would occupy a 
great deal of my time, to be working with colleagues in other 
countries to make sure that their currency policies are not in 
any way going against commitments that most G7 and certainly 
G20 countries have made, and really all countries that are a 
member of the IMF have made in terms of not using their 
currency in a way to gain an unfair trade advantage. It is 
something I take very seriously.
    The Chairman. Okay.
    It has been a long morning. Thank you both. We have had a 
lot of questions posed to both of you.
    Let me also say to colleagues, I support these two 
nominees, because I think they are very well qualified. For the 
information of Senators, questions for the record are due at 5 
p.m. this Friday, July 15th. And I thank you all. It has been a 
long morning with lots of questions.
    And with that, the Finance Committee is adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 11:32 a.m., the hearing was concluded.]

                            A P P E N D I X

              Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                              ----------                              


                Prepared Statement of Hon. Mike Crapo, 
                       a U.S. Senator From Idaho
    Thank you, Senator Wyden. Welcome, Dr. Shambaugh and Dr. Haffajee, 
and congratulations on your nominations.

    Dr. Shambaugh, in terms of tax issues, the OECD negotiations could 
have significant international economic consequences, and this 
important position could be involved in advising on the economic 
effects of the OECD agreement and projected implementation.

    I hope you will share your insights on the effect of the OECD 
agreement on U.S. businesses and U.S. revenue and any other analysis of 
the potential effects of the OECD agreement. Additionally, I look 
forward to hearing your perspectives on the current international 
economic environment, including the interplay between fiscal policy, 
energy policy, and the 40-year high inflation which is afflicting 
Americans today.

    Turning to Dr. Haffajee, you have written extensively on the health 
impacts of marijuana legalization, opioid addiction treatment, and 
public health emergencies, among other issues. Please share your 
perspectives on these issues, as well as how, should you be confirmed, 
you will challenge the administration to evaluate programs in these and 
other areas fairly and with close attention to what the facts indicate, 
rather than what political agendas might dictate.

    I remind both nominees that the success of the Departments of 
Treasury and Health and Human Services depends on a strong partnership 
with Congress, which includes transparency and consultation with our 
offices. This is true not just because of the authority Congress has 
delegated, but because members are well positioned to understand the 
needs of our constituents.

    I ask both nominees today to confirm that they will be attentive to 
members of this committee, and indeed the broader Senate, should they 
be confirmed.

    I look forward to hearing the nominees' testimony and their 
responses to questions.

                                 ______
                                 
  Prepared Statement of Rebecca Lee Haffajee, Ph.D., Nominated to be 
 Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health 
                           and Human Services
    Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and members of the committee, 
thank you for considering my nomination to be the Assistant Secretary 
for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS). I am honored by President Biden's decision to 
nominate me for this role and, if confirmed, look forward to serving 
under his and Secretary Becerra's leadership.

    Before I begin my testimony, I would like to thank my family. With 
me today is my husband, James Drabick. And supporting me virtually are 
my two young children, Samuel and Annabelle, as well as my father and 
sister, Drs. Charles and Jessica Haffajee. With me in spirit is my 
mother, Dr. Anne Haffajee. I would not be here today without their love 
and support.

    My name is Rebecca Haffajee, and I am a lawyer, researcher, and a 
policy analyst. But before I'm those things, I'm a daughter.

    Both my parents were first-generation Americans, and both were 
clinicians. Growing up watching them work in health care inspired my 
passion for improving health and well-being outcomes for all Americans.

    My father is a practicing cardiologist. He loves his patients and 
his patients love him. Watching him be the best physician he can be for 
his patients and often saving their lives taught me how critical 
patient-centered care is to producing positive health outcomes.

    My mother was a renowned dental researcher. She is also my biggest 
inspiration. My mother not only lovingly raised a family, but she also 
excelled in her career--all while battling cancer throughout much of 
her life. My mother's long-term cancer battle taught me how important 
it is to ensure we're doing what's best for people when they're 
experiencing health challenges.

    Though I began my professional career in health care law, my 
passion lies in using the research process to implement policy change 
that improves people's health and well-being. I spent time in East 
Africa working in public health on research around care for children 
and mothers affected by HIV/AIDS. For over a decade, I focused on U.S. 
health policy research, first as a professor at the University of 
Michigan and then as policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. I'm 
passionate about my work because I believe that changes made at the 
Federal, State, and local level have meaningful impacts when research 
informs policy.

    While many in government and across the country are not familiar 
with ASPE, its work changes lives. Researchers at ASPE work to ensure 
the President, Secretary, and leaders across HHS have the best 
available data and evidence when they are making decisions and 
measuring the impact of their decisions to improve the country's health 
and well-being.

    For more than a year now, I've worked in ASPE, serving as Acting 
Assistant Secretary. I've had the opportunity to lead much of the 
agency's most rigorous research and strategic planning. My 
understanding of the nuts and bolts of the agency--and the Department 
and administration at large--as well as the relationships I've built 
will serve me well in the role, should I be confirmed.

    If confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation, I would work to ensure that ASPE is focused on using the 
best research and data to expand health-care access, strengthen 
behavioral health, and advance equity.

    Expanding Health Care Access: We know from our work in ASPE that 
expanding access to health care is critical to our Nation's health and 
well-being. When people don't have health-care coverage or when the 
coverage they do have isn't high-quality, we all suffer the 
consequences.

    Strengthening Behavioral Health: Mental health and substance use 
challenges have been exacerbated by COVID-19. But even before the 
pandemic, this area of health was underemphasized and underfunded. ASPE 
can play a critical role in strengthening our Nation's behavioral 
health infrastructure and has demonstrated this already through its 
work on the administration's Overdose Prevention Strategy.

    Advancing Equity: To understand why health inequities exist and how 
best to address them, we have to look at their root causes--or the 
social determinants of health: income, education, employment, housing, 
social support, and transportation. Through ASPE's ongoing social 
determinants of health and equity work, we can understand how best to 
ensure that those in underserved and under-resourced populations don't 
experience gaps in services and supports and are able to live their 
healthiest lives.

    None of these priorities I have laid out can be achieved without 
strong partnership and communication, particularly with Congress and 
stakeholders across the health-care sector.

    I've learned in my various roles the importance of listening to and 
understanding the perspectives of different health stakeholders--
including providers, patients, and governments. These perspectives 
inform research agendas, data collected and analyzed, and ultimately, 
effective policies.

    The research ASPE provides is critical to the work of HHS and 
agencies across the Federal Government. If confirmed, I look forward to 
continuing ASPE's transformative work to meet the health and well-being 
needs of our Nation. Thank you for considering my nomination. I look 
forward to answering your questions.

                                 ______
                                 

                        SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE

                  STATEMENT OF INFORMATION REQUESTED 
                               OF NOMINEE

                      A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

 1.  Name (include any former names used): Rebecca Lee Haffajee.

 2.  Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation.

 3.  Date of nomination: May 9, 2022.

 4.  Address (list current residence, office, and mailing addresses):

 5.  Date and place of birth: April 18, 1980 in Worcester, MA.

 6.  Marital status (include maiden name of wife or husband's name):

 7.  Names and ages of children:

 8.  Education (list all secondary and higher education institutions, 
dates attended, degree received, and date degree granted):

        Fay School, Southborough, MA. Attended 09/1986-09/1995. 
        Attended freshman year of secondary school (and elementary and 
        middle school). Diploma received 06/1995.

        Saint Paul's School, Concord, NH. Attended 09/1995-05/1998. 
        Attended sophomore through senior year of secondary school. 
        High School diploma received 05/1998.

        Duke University, Durham, NC. Attended 08/1998-05/2002. Attended 
        for undergraduate college. Bachelor's degree (magna cum laude) 
        received 05/2002.

        Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA. Attended 08/2003-06/2006. 
        Juris Doctorate (JD) degree received 06/2006.

        Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Attended 
        from 06/2004-06/2006. Master's in Public Health (MPH) received 
        06/2006.

        Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 
        Cambridge, MA. Attended from 09/2010 through 07/2016. Doctor of 
        Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree received in Health Policy (Evaluative 
        Sciences and Statistics concentration) 11/2016.

 9.  Employment record (list all jobs held since college, including the 
title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and 
dates of employment for each job):


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Dates of Employment
Employer and Location of Work      Position Held          (approx.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hart Fellowship Program, Duke  Leadership            07/2002-05/2003
 University, Moshi, Tanzania    Fellowship
                                (postgraduate)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parrot Bar and Grill,          Server                06/2003-08/2003
 Cataumet, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Law School,            Research Assistant    02/2004-05/2004
 Cambridge, MA                  to Profs. Troyen
                                Brennan and
                                Michelle Mello
------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Nations International   Legal Intern, Office  08/2004-05/2005
 Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda   of the Prosecutor
 (for summer public interest
 fellowship, Harvard Law
 School), Arusha, Tanzania
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ropes and Gray LLP, Boston,    Summer Associate      05/2005-07/2005
 MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ropes and Gray LLP,            Summer Associate      07/2005-08/2005
 Washington, DC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Law School, Accra and  Clinical Teaching     01/2006-01/2006
 northern Ghana                 Assistant, Winter
                                Course in Ghana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Law School,            Library Research      02/2006-05/2006
 Cambridge, MA                  Assistant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Physicians for Human Rights,   Legal Intern          02/2006-05/2006
 Cambridge, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ropes and Gray LLP, Boston,    Law Associate         09/2006-07/2008
 MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ropes and Gray LLP,            Law Associate         07/2008-08/2009
 Washington, DC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O'Neill Institute for          Law Fellow            08/2009-08/2010
 National and Global Health
 Law, Georgetown University
 Law Center, Washington, DC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Graduate School of     1st year Ph.D.        09/2010-06/2011
 Arts and Sciences,             Student
 Cambridge, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard T.H. Chan School of    Research Assistant    05/2011-08/2011
 Public Health, Boston, MA      to Prof. Michelle    Harvard University,
                                Mello                 Cambridge, MA
                                                     Head Teaching
                                                      Fellow for Prof.
                                                      David Cutler
                                                     09/2011-12/2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard T.H. Chan School of    Teaching Assistant    01/2012-03/2012
 Public Health, Boston, MA      for Public Health
                                Law course
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Graduate School of     2nd year Ph.D.        09/2011-06/2012
 Arts and Sciences,             Student
 Cambridge, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Medical School/        Research Fellow       07/2012-06/2015
 Harvard Pilgrim Health Care,
 Boston, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Graduate School of     Teaching Fellow for   09/2013-05/2014
 Arts and Sciences,             Core Course in
 Cambridge, MA                  Health Policy in
                                Ph.D. program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Graduate School of     National Institute    09/2013-08/2014
 Arts and Sciences (GSAS),      of Mental Health
 Cambridge, MA                  Training Grant
                                recipient
                                (administered
                                through this
                                employer)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvard Graduate School of     Ph.D. Dissertation    07/2015-07/2016
 Arts and Sciences (GSAS),      Candidate (i.e.,
 Cambridge, MA                  last year of
                                program)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Michigan School  Assistant Professor   08/2016-08/2019
 of Public Health, Ann Arbor,
 MI
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAND Corporation, Boston, MA   Policy Researcher,    09/2019-03/2021
                                Economics,
                                Statistics, and
                                Sociology
                                Department
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Department of Health and  Principal Deputy      03/2021-present
 Human Services (HHS),          Assistant Secretary
 Washington, DC                 for Planning and
                                Evaluation (ASPE)
                                and Acting
                                Assistant Secretary
                                for Planning and
                                Evaluation
------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.  Government experience (list any current and former advisory, 
consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with 
Federal, State, or local governments held since college, including 
dates, other than those listed above):

        Consultant for Michigan Department of Health and Human 
        Services, 09/2018-08/2019.

11.  Business relationships (list all current and former positions held 
as an officer, director, trustee, partner (e.g., limited partner, non-
voting, etc.), proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, other business enterprise, or 
educational or other institution):

        Harvard Yard Child Care Center, Cambridge, MA, Board of 
        Directors (2015-2016) (unpaid).

12.  Memberships (list all current and former memberships, as well as 
any current and former offices held in professional, fraternal, 
scholarly, civic, business, charitable, and other organizations dating 
back to college, including dates for these memberships and offices):


------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Organization          Nature of Membership    Dates (approx.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg        Member of external    2020-2021
 School of Public Health        advisory council
 External Advisory Council on
 Opioid Prescribing Laws
 Grant Funded by Arnold
 Ventures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AcademyHealth                  Member of             2015-2021
                                professional
                                society
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Society for Empirical Legal    Member of             2017-2019
 Studies                        professional
                                society
------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Society of Law,       Member of             2017-2021
 Medicine and Ethics            professional
                                society
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts State Bar        Member of bar         2006-present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia Bar       Member of bar         2009-2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------


13.  Political affiliations and activities:

        a.  List all public offices for which you have been a candidate 
        dating back to the age of 18.

       None.

        b.  List all memberships and offices held in and services 
        rendered to all political parties or election committees, 
        currently and during the last 10 years prior to the date of 
        your nomination.

       None.

        c.  Itemize all political contributions to any individual, 
        campaign organization, political party, political action 
        committee, or similar entity of $50 or more for the past 10 
        years prior to the date of your nomination.

       None.

14.  Honors and awards (list all scholarships, fellowships, honorary 
degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and any other 
special recognitions for outstanding service or achievement received 
since the age of 18):

        2018   Theodore R. LeBlang Distinguished Lectureship in Law and 
        Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 
        Springfield, IL.

        2017   AcademyHealth Outstanding Dissertation Award at the 2017 
        Annual Research Meeting, New Orleans, LA.

        2017   Walter J. McNemey Research Award, Department of Health 
        Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public 
        Health.

        2017   Health Policy Grand Rounds Seminar Speaker, Richard M. 
        Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University.

        2015   AcademyHealth Student Poster Award at the 2015 Annual 
        Research Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.

        2015   Joan P. Curhan Citizenship Award for the Ph.D. Program 
        in Health Policy, Harvard University.

        2013-14   Public Health Law Research Program Strategic and 
        Targeted Research Program Dissertation Grant Award, Robert Wood 
        Johnson Foundation.

        2013-14   Health Policy Training Grant Award, National 
        Institute of Mental Health.

        2013   Public Health Law Research Program Junior Scholar Travel 
        Stipend Award, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

        2011-12   Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, 
        Biotechnology, and Bioethics Student Fellow, Harvard Law 
        School.

        2010-12   Ph.D. Program in Health Policy Pre-Doctoral Training 
        Fellowship Award, Harvard University.

        2009-10   New Alternatives Program Fellow, Ropes and Gray, LLP.

        2006   Fulbright U.S. Student Program Fellowship Grantee 
        (Public Health--South Africa), United States Department of 
        State.

        2006   Frank Knox Memorial Traveling Fellowship Award (Public 
        Health--South Africa), Harvard University.

        2004   Summer Public Interest Funding Award (United Nations 
        Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda), Harvard Law School.

        2004   Best Female Collegiate Soloist of the Year Contemporary 
        A Cappella Recording Award, 2004, The Contemporary A Cappella 
        Society.

        2002-03    Hart Leadership Fellow (Public Health Research--
        Tanzania), Duke University.

        2002   Graduation Magna Cum Laude, Duke University.

15.  Published writings (list the titles, publishers, dates and 
hyperlinks (as applicable) of all books, articles, reports, blog posts, 
or other published materials you have written):

        See attached list.

16.  Speeches (list all formal speeches and presentations (e.g., 
PowerPoint) you have delivered during the past 5 years which are on 
topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated, 
including dates):

        Below is a list of my speeches and presentations during the 
        past 5 years. Speeches with formal remarks or PowerPoint 
        materials are noted with an asterisk.

        03/17   ``Policy Strategies to Curb the Opioid Epidemic: The 
        Role of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs,'' Health Policy 
        and Management Research Seminar, Indiana University Fairbanks 
        School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN (speaker).*

        03/17   ``Pandora's Box: The (Unknown) Consequences of 
        Legalizing Marijuana Use,'' Law Students for Sensible Drug 
        Policy Seminar, University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, 
        MI (speaker).*

        04/17   ``The Effect of Robust Prescription Drug Monitoring 
        Programs on Opioid Prescribing Outcomes,'' 8th Annual Empirical 
        Health Law Conference, Boston University School of Law, Boston, 
        MA (podium presentation).*

        06/17   ``Using the Law to Ramp Up Medication Assisted 
        Treatment Therapy,'' 40th Annual ASLME Health Law Professors 
        Conference, Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, 
        GA (podium presentation).*

        06/17   ``The Effect of Robust Prescription Drug Monitoring 
        Programs on Opioid Prescribing Outcomes,'' AcademyHealth Annual 
        Research Meeting, New Orleans, LA (podium presentation).*

        07/17   ``Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: Policy 
        Landscape and Best Practices,'' Institute for Healthcare Policy 
        and Innovation and M-OPEN, Injury Prevention Center Event, Ann 
        Arbor, MI (speaker).*

        07/17   ``The State of Michigan's Opioid Epidemic: Origins and 
        Impact,'' Council of Michigan Foundations, Ann Arbor, MI 
        (speaker).*


        09/17   ``The Effect of Robust Prescription Drug Monitoring 
        Programs on Opioid Prescribing Outcomes,'' SAVIR Conference, 
        Ann Arbor, MI (podium presentation).*

        11/17   ``Policy Approaches to the Opioid Crisis,'' USC-
        Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy, The Brookings 
        Institution, Washington, DC (panelist).

        03/18   ``Monitoring and Regulating Prescribing to Mitigate the 
        Opioid Epidemic,'' The Institute for Continuing Legal 
        Education, 24th Annual Health Law Institute, Plymouth, MI 
        (podium presentation).*

        03/18   ``Using the Law to Tackle the Opioid Crisis,'' Theodore 
        R. LeBlang Distinguished Lectureship in Law and Medicine, 
        Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, 
        IL (podium presentation).*

        06/18   ``Characterizing U.S. Counties with High Opioid 
        Overdose and Low Medication-Assisted Treatment Supply,'' 41st 
        Annual ASLME Health Law Professors Conference, Case Western 
        Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, OH (podium 
        presentation).*

        06/18   ``Implementation Challenges Related to Medication-
        Assisted Treatment,'' AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, 
        Seattle, WA (poster presentation).

        06/18   ``Characterizing U.S. Counties with High Opioid 
        Overdose and Low Medication-Assisted Treatment Supply,'' 
        AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, Seattle, WA (poster 
        presentation).

        06/18   ``Characterizing U.S. Counties with High Opioid 
        Overdose and Low Medication-Assisted Treatment Supply,'' 
        AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, Behavioral Interest 
        Group Meeting, Seattle, WA (podium presentation).*

        06/18   ``Building Successful Careers in Academia,'' 
        AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, Seattle, WA (podium 
        presentation and panelist).

        06/18   ``Emerging Approaches to Monitoring the Opioid Epidemic 
        and its Impact,'' AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, 
        Seattle, WA (moderator).

        10/18   ``Settling the Score: Maximizing the Public Health 
        Impacts of Opioid-Litigation,'' Speaker at Facing Opioids 
        Symposium, Ohio State Law Journal Annual Symposium, Columbus, 
        OH (podium presentation and panelist).*

        11/18   ``Policy Approaches to Addressing the Opioid Crisis,'' 
        Keynote speaker, 2nd Annual Addiction Conference, SUNY Upstate, 
        Syracuse, NY (podium presentation and panelist).*

        12/18   ``Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: A Response to 
        the Opioids Crisis,'' University of Michigan Dental School, Ann 
        Arbor, MI (podium presentation), https://michigan-open.org/
        news/article/michigan-open-sponsors-navigating-the-new-and-
        improved-maps/ (speaker).*

        12/18   ``The Opioid Epidemic: States and Cities Strike Back,'' 
        Speaker/panelist for American Bar Association Webinar 
        (presentation and panelist).*

        02/19   ``State Policy Approached to Addressing the Opioid 
        Crisis,'' Invited Speaker at Wolverine Caucus, Lansing, MI 
        (podium presentation).*

        04/19   ``The Value of Litigation in Mitigating the Opioid 
        Crisis,'' 25th Annual Thomas Pitts Lectureship in Medical 
        Ethics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 
        (podium presentation and panelist).*

        04/19   ``Public Policy and the Opioid Epidemic'' American 
        College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2019 Annual Meeting, 
        Philadelphia, PA (podium presentation and panelist).*

        05/19   ``Opioids: Policy to Practice'' University of Michigan/
        Harvard Summit, Ann Arbor, MI (panelist).*

        05/20   ``Government Opioid Litigation: The Reasonable Bounds 
        of Liability,'' Clifford Symposium, DePaul University College 
        of Law, Chicago, IL, Virtual (speaker).*

        06/19   ``Generic Drug Policy as a Barrier to Opioid Use 
        Disorder Treatment,'' 42nd Annual ASLME Health Law Professors 
        Conference, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, 
        IL (podium presentation).*

        06/19   ``The Opioid Overdose Crisis: States and Localities 
        Fight Back Using Litigation,'' Michigania Faculty Forum, Boyne 
        City, MI (podium presentation).*

        06/19   ``Public Health Law Approaches to Addressing the Opioid 
        Crisis: Intended and Unintended Consequences,'' Michigania 
        Faculty Forum, Boyne City, MI (podium presentation).*

        07/19   ``Congressional Staff Briefing on Barriers to Substance 
        Use Treatment,'' Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 
        (panelist).

        10/20   ``Spicy Debate: X the X Waiver?'' 44th AMERSA Annual 
        Conference, Virtual (moderator).*

        10/20   ``What Makes Opioid Litigation Different from Other 
        Mass Torts?'' RAND Corporation Institute for Civil Justice 
        Board Meeting, Virtual (moderator and speaker), https://
        www.rand.org/pubs/conf_
        proceedings/CFA1137-1.html#what-makes-the-opioid-litigation-
        different-from-other-mass-torts.*

        11/20   ``An Empirical Look at the Opioid Litigation'' Program 
        on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Harvard Medical School, 
        Virtual (speaker).*

        06/21   ``Association between Receipt of Opioid or 
        Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Risk of Opioid-Related 
        Overdose and Suicide,'' AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, 
        Virtual (podium presentation).*

        06/21   ``U.S. Report on the International Convention on the 
        Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (GERO),'' 
        Civil Society Roundtable, Virtual (roundtable participant).*

        07/21   ``Opening Remarks,'' ``Opening Plenary,'' and ``Closing 
        Remarks,'' HHS Evidence Day 2021, Virtual (moderator and 
        speaker).*

        10/21   ``Gap and Opportunities to Address Stimulant Use,'' 
        2021 Cocaine, Meth and Stimulant Summit, Virtual (podium 
        presentation).*

        09/21   ``HHS Drug Pricing Plan,'' HHS Intergovernmental and 
        External Affairs Stakeholder Briefing, Virtual (speaker).*

        09/21   ``Understanding and Addressing Inequities in Human 
        Services,'' Annual Poverty Research and Policy Forum, Virtual 
        (speaker).*

        10/21   ``Advancing Public Health Research through Data 
        Science'' IQVIA Research Forum, Virtual (speaker).*

        10/21   ``HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy,'' HHS 
        Intergovernmental and External Affairs Stakeholder Briefing, 
        Virtual (speaker).*

        11/21   ``Closing Keynote on Overdose Prevention Strategies,'' 
        2021 National Overdose Prevention Leadership Summit, Virtual 
        (speaker).*

        12/21   ``Policy Priorities among Federal Agencies and 
        Foundations,'' State-
        University Partnership Learning Network (SUPLN) Fall Meeting, 
        Virtual (panelist).*

        12/21   ``ASPE's Priorities on Prescription Drug Pricing,'' 
        National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) Federal/State 
        Summit on Prescription Drug Pricing, Virtual (panelist).

        01/22   ``National Alzheimer's Plan 2021 Update,'' HHS 
        Intergovernmental and External Affairs Stakeholder Briefing, 
        Virtual (speaker).

        03/22   ``HHS Draft Strategic Plan,'' HHS Intergovernmental and 
        External Affairs Tribal Consultation, Virtual (speaker).

        03/22   ``Strategy to Address Our National Mental Health 
        Crisis,'' HHS Intergovernmental and External Affairs 
        Stakeholder Briefing, Virtual (speaker).

        03/22   ``Methadone for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: 
        Federal Landscape,'' The National Academies of Sciences, 
        Engineering, and Medicine, Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use 
        Disorder: Examining Federal Regulations and Laws--A Workshop 
        (speaker).*

        04/22   ``Elevating the Overdose Prevention Strategy,'' 
        Celebrating RCORP Past and Present: A Look Into the Program's 
        History, Outcomes and Futures, Virtual (speaker).*

        04/22   ``HHS Strategies to Address Behavioral Health 
        Challenges in the U.S.,'' Center for Health Policy and Media 
        Engagement Health Policy Leadership Series, George Washington 
        University, Virtual (speaker).*

17.  Qualifications (state what, in your opinion, qualifies you to 
serve in the position to which you have been nominated):

        I believe I am qualified to serve as the Assistant Secretary 
        for Planning and Evaluation given my extensive training and 
        practice in law and policy research, all in the domains of 
        health care and public health. In my legal career, I gained 
        expertise around and applied the regulatory nuances of Federal 
        and State health-care law and led large teams to execute 
        substantial health-care transactions. In my research career, I 
        have conducted large-scale evaluations of health policies, 
        including of Federal and State laws and particularly in the 
        areas of behavioral health and drug policy, and provided 
        related policy recommendations. In my teaching career, I have 
        taught and mentored students at various stages in their 
        educations about health systems, health law, and program 
        evaluation. Moreover, I have now served as Principal Deputy 
        Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) for 1 
        year, and in this role I helped successfully lead the agency to 
        a highly productive and impactful first year at a time of great 
        need for our Nation. I have established excellent, 
        collaborative relationships within ASPE and throughout 
        government and believe strongly in the mission of ASPE to 
        provide sound policy recommendations to the Secretary of Health 
        and Human Services based on the best evidence available on 
        health and human services topics.

                   B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

 1.  Will you sever all connections (including participation in future 
benefit arrangements) with your present employers, business firms, 
associations, or organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? If 
not, provide details.

        Yes.

 2.  Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue 
outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service 
with the government? If so, provide details.

        No.

 3.  Has any person or entity made a commitment or agreement to employ 
your services in any capacity after you leave government service? If 
so, provide details.

        No.

 4.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, do you expect to serve out 
your full term or until the next presidential election, whichever is 
applicable? If not, explain.

        Yes.

                   C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 1.  Indicate any current and former investments, obligations, 
liabilities, or other personal relationships, including spousal or 
family employment, which could involve potential conflicts of interest 
in the position to which you have been nominated.

        Any potential conflict of interest will be resolved in 
        accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement, which was 
        developed in consultation with ethics officials at the 
        Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of 
        Government Ethics. I understand that my ethics agreement has 
        been provided to the committee. I am not aware of any potential 
        conflict other than those addressed by my ethics agreement. If 
        I have any questions arise, I will consult with HHS career 
        ethics officials.

 2.  Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last 10 years (prior to the 
date of your nomination), whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, 
or acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a 
possible conflict of interest in the position to which you have been 
nominated.

        Any potential conflict of interest will be resolved in 
        accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement, which was 
        developed in consultation with ethics officials at the 
        Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of 
        Government Ethics. I understand that my ethics agreement has 
        been provided to the committee. I am not aware of any potential 
        conflict other than those addressed by my ethics agreement. If 
        I have any questions arise, I will consult with HHS career 
        ethics officials.

 3.  Describe any activity during the past 10 years (prior to the date 
of your nomination) in which you have engaged for the purpose of 
directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 
of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law 
or public policy. Activities performed as an employee of the Federal 
Government need not be listed.

        I participated in a panel briefing organized by PEW Charitable 
        Trusts on July 5, 2019 for House staffers when I was an 
        assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of 
        Public Health. The topic of the briefing was on Barriers to 
        Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment, and the Mainstreaming 
        Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act was discussed; Rep. Tonka, the 
        bill's sponsor, launched the session. While I expressed my 
        support for the MAT Act during the panel, I was also clear that 
        removing other barriers, beyond the X waiver elimination, would 
        be necessary to meaningfully reduce barriers to SUD treatment.

 4.  Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, 
including any that are disclosed by your responses to the above items. 
(Provide the committee with two copies of any trust or other 
agreements.)

        Any potential conflict of interest will be resolved in 
        accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement, which was 
        developed in consultation with ethics officials at the 
        Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of 
        Government Ethics. I understand that my ethics agreement has 
        been provided to the committee. I am not aware of any potential 
        conflict other than those addressed by my ethics agreement. If 
        I have any questions arise, I will consult with HHS career 
        ethics officials.

 5.  Two copies of written opinions should be provided directly to the 
committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to 
which you have been nominated and by the Office of Government Ethics 
concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal impediments to 
your serving in this position.

        I understand that my ethics agreement has been provided to the 
        committee along with the accompanying transmittal documents.

                       D. LEGAL AND OTHER MATTERS

 1.  Have you ever been the subject of a complaint or been 
investigated, disciplined, or otherwise cited for a breach of ethics 
for unprofessional conduct before any court, administrative agency 
(e.g., an Inspector General's office), professional association, 
disciplinary committee, or other ethics enforcement entity at any time? 
Have you ever been interviewed regarding your own conduct as part of 
any such inquiry or investigation? If so, provide details, regardless 
of the outcome.

        No.

 2.  Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any 
Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority for a violation of 
any Federal, State, county, or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, 
other than a minor traffic offense? Have you ever been interviewed 
regarding your own conduct as part of any such inquiry or 
investigation? If so, provide details.

        On March 14, 2001, I was served with a ``North Carolina Uniform 
        Citation'' for being in possession of a mixed alcoholic 
        beverage at age 20 (G.S. 18B-302(b))--a misdemeanor offense. On 
        April 11, 2001, I was directed by the Durham District Court to 
        participate in the ``First Offenders Program,'' which involved 
        a service fee and 50 hours of community service. I completed my 
        community service at the Ronald McDonald House in Durham in May 
        2001. In addition, I paid my service fee and submitted a 
        personally written paper entitled, ``The Effects of Alcohol on 
        the Body'' to the District Court. My case was dismissed upon 
        its review in the Durham District Court on October 26, 2001.

 3.  Have you ever been involved as a party in interest in any 
administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, provide 
details.

        No.

 4.  Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? If so, provide details.

        No.

 5.  Please advise the committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be considered in 
connection with your nomination.

        None.

                     E. TESTIFYING BEFORE CONGRESS

 1.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, are you willing to appear and 
testify before any duly constituted committee of the Congress on such 
occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so?

        Yes.

 2.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, are you willing to provide 
such information as is requested by such committees?

        Yes.

                           Published Writings

Articles:
 1. Townsend TN, Bohnert ASB, Lagisetty PA, Haffajee RL. Did 
        prescribing laws disproportionately affect opioid dispensing to 
        Black patients? H Serv Res, March 3, 2022. Available at: 
        https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1475-
        6773.13968.
 2. Haffajee RL, Kilmer B, Helland E. Government opioid litigation: the 
        extent of liability. DePaul L Rev 2022;70(1):275-31 (ranked 88/
        963 U.S. law journals).
 3. Sommers BD, Haffajee RL. Federal policies to expand health 
        insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 
        JAMA H Forum 2021;2(11):
        e214608.
 4. Haffajee RL, Sommers BD. Evidence-based policy in the Biden-Harris 
        Administration. JAMA H Forum 2021;2(7):e212598.
 5. Townsend T, Cerda M, Bohnert ASB, Lagisetty PA, Haffajee RL. CDC 
        Guideline for opioid prescribing associated with reduced 
        dispensing to certain patients with chronic pain. H Aff 
        2021;40(11):1766-1775.
 6. Townsend T, Salz T, Haffajee RL, Caram M, Chino F, Bohnert ASB. Has 
        declining opioid dispensing to cancer patients been tailored to 
        risk of opioid harms? J Pain Symptom Manag 2021;63(2):179-188.
 7. Haffajee RL, Faherty LJ, Zivin K. Pregnant women with substance use 
        disorders--the harm associated with punitive approaches. N Eng 
        J Med 2021;384(25):2364-67.
 8. Haffajee RL, Mauri AI. Cannabis liberalization in the U.S.: The 
        policy landscape. H Aff Policy Brief, July 1, 2021. Available 
        at: https://www.
        healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hpb20210518.36548/full/.
 9. Haffajee RL, Mauri AI. Cannabis legalization in the U.S.: 
        population health impacts. H Aff Policy Brief, July 1, 2021. 
        Available at: https://www.healthaffairs.
        org/do/10.1377/hpb20210701.500845/full/.
10. Andraka-Christou B, Bouskill K, Haffajee RL, Randall-Kosich O, 
        Golan M, Totarum R, Stein B. Common themes in early state 
        policy responses to SUD treatment during COVID-19. Amer J Drug 
        and Alc Abuse 2021;47(4):486-96.
11. Cantor J, Dick AW, Haffajee RL, Pera MF, Bravata DM, Stein BD, 
        Whaley C. Use of buprenorphine for those with employer 
        sponsored insurance during the initial phase of the COVID-19 
        pandemic. J Subst Abuse Treatment 2021;129:108384.
12. Admon LK, Dalton VK, Kolenic GE, Ettner SL, Tilea A, Haffajee RL, 
        Brownlee RM, Zochowski MK, Tabb KM, Muzik M, Zivin K. Trends in 
        suicidality 1 year before and after birth among commercially 
        insured childbearing individuals in the United States, 2006-
        2017. JAMA Psych 2021;78(2):171-176.
13. Haffajee RL, Andraka-Christou B, Dormond M, Cupito A, Buche J. A 
        mixed-method comparison of physician-reported knowledge about 
        and barriers to treatment with medications for opioid use 
        disorder. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 
        2020;15:69.
14. Leopold C, Haffajee RL, Lu CY, Wagner AK. The complex cancer care 
        coverage environment--What is the role of legislation? A case 
        study from Massachusetts. J L Med Ethics 2020;48(3):538-551.
15. Haffajee RL. The public health value of opioid litigation. J L Med 
        Ethics 2020;48(2):279-292. PMCID: PMC7481928.
16. Dora-Laskey AD, Goldstick JE, Arterberry BJ, Roberts SJ, Haffajee 
        RL, Bohnert ASB, Cunningham RC, Carter PM. Prevalence and 
        predictors of driving after prescription opioid use in an adult 
        ED sample. West J Emerg Med 2020;21(4):831-40. PMCID: 
        PMC7390550. See also https://injurycenter.umich.
        edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Vis-abs-Dora-Laskey_DAPO.pdf.
17. Lagisetty PA, Zhang K, Haffajee RL, Lin LA, Goldstick J, Brownlee 
        R, Bohnert ASB, Larochelle MR. Opioid prescribing history prior 
        to heroin overdose among commercially insured adults. Drug and 
        Alc Depend 2020;212:10806. PMID: 32428788.
18. Haffajee RL, Mello MM. Thinking globally, acting locally--The U.S. 
        Response to COVID-19. N Eng J Med 2020;382:e75. PMID: 32240580.
19. Alexander GC, Stoller KB, Haffajee RL, Saloner B. An epidemic in 
        the midst of a pandemic: Opioid use disorder and COVID-19. Ann 
        Int Med 2020;
        173(1):57-58. PMCID: PMC7138407.
20. Maust DT, Lin LA, Goldstick JE, Haffajee RL, Brownlee R, Bohnert 
        ASB. Association of Medicare Part D benzodiazepine coverage 
        expansion with changes in fall-related injuries and overdoses 
        among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. JAMA Netw Open 
        2020;3(4):e202051. PMCID: PMC7125434. See also https://
        injurycenter.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/
        Maust_BZD_Visual-Abstract.pdf.
21. Haffajee RL, Cherney S, Smart R. Legal requirements and 
        recommendations to prescribe naloxone. Drug and Alc Depend 
        2020;209:107896. PMCID: PMC7127952.
22. Haffajee RL, Frank RG. Abuses of FDA regulatory procedures--The 
        case of Suboxone. N Eng J Med 2020;382(6):496-498. PMID: 
        31914238.
23. Haffajee RL, Abrams MR. Settling the score: Maximizing the public 
        health impact of opioid litigation. Ohio St Law J 2020; 
        80(4):701-740 (ranked 41/948 U.S. law journals).
24. Haffajee RL, Frank RG. Generic drug policy and Suboxone to treat 
        opioid use disorder. J L Med Ethics 2019;47(S4):43-53. PMID: 
        31955697.
25. Mauri AM, Townsend T, Haffajee RL. The association of state opioid 
        misuse prevention policies with patient- and provider-related 
        outcomes: A scoping review. Millbank Q 2019;98(1):57-105. 
        PMCID: PMC7077777.
26. Agarwal S, Bryan JD, Hu HM, Lee JS, Chua KP, Haffajee RL, Brummett 
        CM, Englesbe MJ, Waljee JF. Association of state opioid 
        duration limits with postoperative opioid prescribing. JAMA 
        Netw Open 2019;2(12):e1918361. PMCID: PMC6991309.
27. Haffajee RL. Prescription drug monitoring programs: friend or folly 
        in addressing the opioid-overdose crisis? N Eng J Med 
        2019;381:699-701. PMID: 31433916; PMCID: PMC7486903.
28. Lagisetty PA, Lin LA, Ganoczy D, Haffajee RL, Bohnert ASB. Opioid 
        prescribing after opioid-related inpatient hospitalizations by 
        diagnosis: A cohort study. Med Care 2019;57(10):815-821. PMCID: 
        PMC6742521.
29. Haffajee RL, Lin LA, Bohnert ASB, Goldstick JE. Characteristics of 
        U.S. counties with high opioid overdose mortality and low 
        capacity to deliver medications for opioid use disorder. JAMA 
        Netw Open 2019;2(6):e196373. PMCID: PMC6604101.
30. Haffajee RL, Mello MM, Zhang F, Busch AB, Zaslavsky AM, Wharam JF. 
        Association of federal mental health parity legislation with 
        health care use and spending among high utilizers of services. 
        Med Care 2019;57(4):245-255. PMCID: PMC6423539.
31. Haffajee RL, French CA. Provider perceptions of system-level opioid 
        prescribing and addiction treatment policies. Curr Opin Psychol 
        2019;30:65-73. PMID: 30856591; PMCID: PMC7482312.
32. Chua KP, Brummett CM, Conti R, Haffajee RL, Prosser L, Bohnert ASB. 
        Assessment of prescriber and pharmacy shopping among the family 
        members of patients prescribed opioids. JAMA Netw Open 
        2019;2(5):e193673. PMCID: PMC6512276.
33. Boehnke KF, Gangopadhyay S, Clauw DJ, Haffajee RL. Qualifying 
        conditions of medical cannabis license holders in the United 
        States. Health Aff 2019;38(2):295-302. PMCID: PMC6398594.
34. Yang TY, Weintraub E, Haffajee RL. Telemedicine's role in 
        addressing the opioid crisis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(9):1177-
        1180. PMCID: PMC6330237.
35. Kennedy-Hendricks A, Epstein AJ, Stuart EA, Haffajee RL, McGinty 
        EE, Busch AB, Huskamp H, Barry CL. Federal parity and spending 
        for mental illness. Pediatrics 2018;142(2):e20172618. PMCID: 
        PMC6317554.
36. Haffajee RL, MacCoun RJ, Mello MM. Behind schedule--Reconciling 
        federal and state marijuana policy. N Engl J Med 
        2018;379(6):501-504. PMID: 29996065.
37. Haffajee RL, Mello MM, Zhang F, Zaslavsky AM, Larochelle MR, Wharam 
        JF. Four states with robust prescription drug monitoring 
        programs reduced opioid dosages. Health Aff 2018;37(6):964-74. 
        PMCID: PMC6298032.
38. Haffajee RL, Bohnert ASB, Lagisetty PA. Policy pathways to address 
        workforce barriers to buprenorphine treatment. Am J Prev Med 
        2018;54(6):S230-S242. PMCID: PMC6330240.
39. Haffajee RL, Frank RG. Making the opioid public health emergency 
        effective. JAMA Psych 2018;75(8):767-768. PMCID: PMC6378105. 
        See also https://injury
        center.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/
        Publication_Summary_Haffajee
        _Opioid-PHE_Final.pdf.
40. Haffajee RL, Mello MM. Drug companies' liability for the opioid 
        epidemic. N Engl J Med 2017;377(24):2301-2305. PMID: 29236640; 
        PMCID: PMC7479783.
41. Yang TY, Larochelle MR, Haffajee RL. Managing increasing liability 
        risks related to opioid prescribing. Am J Med 2017;130(3):249-
        50. PMID: 27644150.
42. Yang TY, Haffajee RL. Murder liability for prescribing opioids: A 
        way forward? Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91(10):1331-35. PMID: 
        27502463; PMCID: PMC7490802.
43. Haffajee RL. Preventing opioid misuse with prescription drug 
        monitoring programs: A framework for evaluating the success of 
        state public health laws. Hastings Law J 2016; 67(6):1621-1694 
        (ranked 34/948 U.S. law journals).
44. Haffajee RL, Jena AB, Weiner SG. Mandatory use of prescription drug 
        monitoring programs. JAMA 2015;313(9):891-892. PMCID: 
        PMC4465450.
45. Haffajee RL, Parmet WE, Mello MM. What is a public health 
        ``emergency''? N Engl J Med 2014;371(11):986-988. PMID: 
        25207765.
46. Haffajee RL, Bloche GM. The FCTC and the psychology of tobacco 
        control. Asian J WTO Int'l Health Law and Pol'y 2010;5(1): 87-
        113 (ranked 720/1537 U.S. and international law journals).
47. Haffajee RL. The potential use of joint criminal enterprise theory 
        in prosecuting crimes of rape and sexual violence at the ICTR. 
        Harvard J Law and Gender 2006;29(1):201-221 (ranked 85/948 U.S. 
        law journals).
48. Haffajee RL. Genetic discrimination legislation in Massachusetts. 
        GeneWatch 2000;13(5/6).
49. Haffajee RL. Medicare prescription drug benefits tug of war. 
        Capital Eye 2001;8:5.
Other Written Publications:
 1. Haffajee RL. Tackling the drug overdose crisis: A novel health and 
        human services strategy. H Aff Forefront, January 24, 2022. 
        Available at: https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/
        forefront.20220119.886508.
 2. Haffajee, RL, Sherry TB, Dubenitz JM, White JO, Schwartz D, Stoller 
        B, Swenson-O'Brien AJ, Manocchio TM, Creedon TB, Bagalman E. 
        U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Overdose 
        Prevention Strategy (Issue Brief). Washington, DC: Office of 
        the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. 
        Department of Health and Human Services. October 27, 2021. 
        Available at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/overdose-prevention-
        strategy.
 3. Garabedian LF, Haffajee RL. Schools need to assume kids can get and 
        spread COVID, and operate safely for all ages. USA Today. 
        August 28, 2020. Available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/
        opinion/2020/08/28/coronavirus-child-studies-inconclusive-
        schools-precautions-column/3434655001/.
 4. Haffajee RL, Lin LA, Page C, et al. Access to treatment for opioid 
        use disorder: a survey of addiction medicine physicians on 
        telemedicine and medication-
        assisted treatment. Behavioral Health Workforce Research 
        Center, University of Michigan. December 2019. Available at: 
        http://www.behavioralhealthworkforce.
        org/project/understanding-telemedicines-role-in-providing-
        medication-assisted-treatment-to-treat-opioid-use-disorders-
        barriers-facilitators-and-areas-of-need/.
 5. Mauri A, Haffajee RL. Beyond bans: How cannabis policy reform can 
        reduce vaping-related illnesses. Health Aff Blog, March 26, 
        2020. Available at: https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/
        hblog20200323.90505/full/.
 6. Haffajee RL, Stein B. Spending the opioid settlement most 
        effectively. Pitt Gazette, December 19, 2019. Available at: 
        https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/12/19/Rebecca-
        Haffajee-Bradley-Stein-Spending-the-opioid-settlement-most-
        effectively/stories/201912190053.
 7. Harbraugh C, Malani P, Haffajee RL, Waljee JF. The culture of pain: 
        Perceptions of opioid-related policy among U.S. older adults. 
        Health Aff Blog, April 17, 2019. Available at: https://
        www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20190415.
        123669/full/.
 8. Boehnke KF, Haffajee RL. Medical Cannabis and Pain: The Author's 
        Reply. Health Aff 2019;38(4):694.
 9. Boehnke KF, Clauw DJ, Haffajee RL. Letter to the editor: On chronic 
        pain as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis licenses. 
        Health Aff 2019;38(5):874.
10. Frank RG, Haffajee RL. Generic drug policy and opioid use disorder 
        treatment. Laura and John Arnold Foundation: White Paper, 
        January 2019.
11. Frank RG, Haffajee RL. The Trump administration's actions to solve 
        the opioids public health crisis: A reply. JAMA Psych. 
        2019;76(1):101-102.
12. Atterman J, Dormand J, Schreiber J, Haffajee RL, et al. Behavioral 
        health workforce challenges related to medication assisted 
        treatment. Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center, 
        University of Michigan. Jan. 2018. Available at: http://
        www.behavioralhealthworkforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/
        Y2FA3P2_MAT-Full-Report.pdf.
13. Haffajee RL. Will public health litigation help to solve the opioid 
        crisis? Public Health Law Watch Blog. December 21, 2017. 
        Available at: https://www.public
        healthlawwatch.org/blog/2017/12/22/will-public-health-
        litigation-help-to-solve-the-opioid-crisis?rq=haffajee.
14. Haffajee RL, Liber AC, Warner KE. A safer way to legalize 
        marijuana. Health Affairs Blog, September 8, 2017. Available 
        at: https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/
        hblog20170908.061869/full/.
15. Carter P, Abir M, Bohnert ASB, Cunningham RC, Dora-Laskey A, 
        Haffajee RL, Martin J, Walton M. The prescription opioid 
        epidemic in Michigan: Evidence, expertise, and recommendations 
        for action. University of Michigan Injury Center. September 
        2017.
16. Haffajee RL. Fight the urge to criminalize opioid addiction 
        behaviors. Health Affairs Blog, March 9, 2016. Available at: 
        http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2016/03/09/fight-the-urge-to-
        criminalize-opioid-addiction-behaviors/.
17. Haffajee RL. Widespread use of prescription drug monitoring 
        programs to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses. Bill of Health 
        Blog, Harvard Law School/Petrie Flom Center for Health Law 
        Policy Biotechnology, and Bioethics. March 9, 2015. Available 
        at: http://blogs.harvard.edu/billofhealth/2015/03/09/
        widespread-use-of-prescription-drug-monitoring-programs-to-
        reduce-opioid-abuse-and-overdoses/.
18. Haffajee RL. What is (or isn't) a public health ``emergency''? Bill 
        of Health Blog, Harvard Law School Petrie Flom Center for 
        Health Law Policy Biotechnology, and Bioethics. September 12, 
        2014. Available at: http://blogs.harvard.edu/billofhealth/2014/
        09/12/what-is-or-isnt-a-public-health-emergency/. 
19. Haffajee RL. Soda industry sues to block NYC ban on sugar-sweetened 
        beverage sales. Bill of Health Blog, Harvard Law School/Petrie 
        Flom Center for Health Law Policy Biotechnology, and Bioethics. 
        October 15, 2012. Available at: http://blogs.harvard.edu/
        billofhealth/2012/10/15/soda-industry-sues-to-block-nyc-ban-on-
        soda-sales/.
20. Haffajee RL. What do we know about obesity and its prevention in 
        the U.S. Bill of Health Blog, Harvard Law School/Petrie Flom 
        Center for Health Law Policy Biotechnology, and Bioethics. 
        October 5, 2012. Available at: http://blogs.
        harvard.edu/billofhealth/2012/10/05/what-do-we-know-about-
        obesity-and-its-prevention-in-the-u-s/.
21. Haffajee RL. MA health reform and medical debt--Getting the facts 
        straight. Bill of Health Blog, Harvard Law School/Petrie Flom 
        Center for Health Law Policy Biotechnology, and Bioethics. 
        September 12, 2012. Available at: http://blogs.harvard.edu/
        billofhealth/2012/09/12/ma-health-reform-and-medical-debt-
        getting-the-facts-straight/.

                                 ______
                                 
   Questions Submitted for the Record to Rebecca Lee Haffajee, Ph.D.
                 Questions Submitted by Hon. Ron Wyden
                      child welfare data reporting
    Question. I'd like to raise a data-focused question concerning the 
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System--better known as 
AFCARS--which is housed in the Administration for Children and Families 
at HHS. I know this system is not squarely in ASPE's purview, but given 
your role, if confirmed, leading data analysis efforts across HHS, I 
feel this question deserves your attention.

    The AFCARS system requires State foster care agencies to report on 
several key metrics, including how many youth are in foster care, when 
they enter and exit, what demographics of youth enter foster care, and 
placement details.

    For years, I have been pushing for a meaningful modernization of 
this system. In 2020, the Trump administration finalized an AFCARS rule 
that removed several important data elements that the Obama 
administration was trying to include in a modernization effort. 
Included among the data elements that were removed were those related 
to LGBTQ+ youth.

    I was thrilled to see President Biden issue an executive order last 
month that, among other things, directs HHS to study the 
disproportionate rates of removals that LGBTQ+ families face.

    In line with those goals, what is your plan to pursue a meaningful 
modernization of AFCARS that captures key demographic information, like 
LGBTQ+ identity?

    Answer. I strongly believe in the importance of data and evidence 
in driving decisions in the child welfare system and doing what is in 
the best interests of children. I understand the critical importance of 
AFCARS and I would, if confirmed, be happy to work with ACF and you to 
ensure that AFCARS is collecting and reporting demographic data that 
will help us to keep all children safe and move us towards a system of 
child and family well-being.
                             mental health
    Question. Mental health is an area that I know we both care about 
deeply. Disruption, grief, and economic uncertainty during COVID-19 
mean access to mental health and substance use disorder care is more 
important than ever.

    While mental health parity has been the law since 2008, I hear a 
great deal about administrative barriers to delay or discourage access 
to mental health care. For example, provider directories are often 
riddled with errors and include doctors who have been retired for 
years.

    What are your top priorities for addressing access to mental health 
care?

    Answer. Mental health and substance use challenges have been 
exacerbated by COVID-19. But even before the pandemic, this area of 
health was underemphasized and underfunded. ASPE can play a critical 
role in strengthening our Nation's behavioral health infrastructure and 
has demonstrated this already through its work on the HHS Overdose 
Prevention Strategy. If confirmed, I will continue to prioritize 
behavioral health, including supporting programs and initiatives across 
the continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery 
support services; supporting the recruitment, training, and retention 
of culturally competent and representative practitioners; offering 
support for family members whose loved ones may be in crisis; as well 
as strengthening enforcement of this country's mental health parity 
laws.

    Question. If confirmed, can you commit to publishing studies on how 
failure to comply with mental health parity affects access to necessary 
mental health and substance use disorder services?

    Answer. Expanding access to medically necessary mental health and 
substance use disorder services is a priority for HHS and the 
administration as a whole. I agree that the mental health parity law is 
an important policy tool to achieve this goal. HHS has actively 
supported implementation of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental 
Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 through its operational 
divisions, such as SAMHSA and CMS, and across the government with the 
Departments of Labor and Treasury, as well as ONDCP. If confirmed, I 
will ensure that ASPE continues to provide the Secretary with the best 
available evidence to inform and strengthen HHS's many efforts to 
connect people who have mental health conditions and substance use 
disorders with the care they need in addition to other supportive 
social services.

                                 ______
                                 
               Questions Submitted by Hon. Chuck Grassley
    Question. The Finance Committee has had several Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) nominees commit to being responsive to 
Congress. Sadly, their words have not matched action. In 2021, it took 
Secretary Becerra 237 days to answer budget questions. I submitted 
questions to him again this year on April 12th and am still awaiting 
answers. In February, I asked Surgeon General Murthy for follow-up 
answers to my questions on rural mental health policy, and I'm still 
awaiting answers. If you are confirmed, will you commit to providing 
timely responses to requests for information from all members of this 
committee?

    Answer. I deeply respect the oversight function of this committee 
for improving current policies and programs. If confirmed, I am 
committed to ensuring that the Department is responsive to oversight 
requests and provides Congress with the information that it needs 
consistent with appropriate law and regulation.

    Question. Last month, the Senate Drug Caucus held a hearing on the 
administration's 2022 Drug Control Policy Strategy. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 108,000 
Americans died last year from a drug overdose. This is staggering and 
unacceptable. Iowa is no stranger to the drug crisis. Our communities 
have been hit hard by the impact of lethal drugs. This includes meth, 
fentanyl, and now the spread of deadly counterfeit pills. I believe the 
Biden administration's drug control policy could do a better job of 
focusing on the most lethal drugs facing us rather than making drugs 
more accessible. The permanent scheduling of all fentanyl related 
substances would be a start. Should Congress permanently place fentanyl 
analogues in Schedule I while continuing research on the class?

    Answer. The overdose crisis plaguing our Nation requires a forceful 
response that is rooted in evidence about what works to save lives, 
reduce the spread of disease, and address the underlying issue by 
engaging individuals in treatment productively so they achieve long-
term recovery. The President put forward a proposal to permanently 
place fentanyl-related substances on Schedule I precisely because of 
their risks to public health. If confirmed, I will follow the law and 
commit to working with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial 
public health leaders to address this deadly epidemic and its key 
drivers by deploying evidence-informed practices.

    Question. Earlier this year, I became concerned the administration 
was permitting ``smoking kits,'' which include crack pipes, to be 
funded as part of a harm reduction grant program at the Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS). Fortunately, the administration called 
this effort off. However, a news report last week suggests that a New 
York City grantee is receiving approximately $400,000 in HHS funding 
while offering smoking kits to addicts. An HHS spokesperson says that 
``no Federal funding is used directly or through subsequent 
reimbursement of grantees to purchase pipes in safer smoking kits.''

    Do you believe ``smoking kits'' are an effective harm-reduction 
strategy?

    The Biden administration is on the record against funding crack 
pipes with Federal dollars. However, organizations receiving Federal 
dollars are still providing ``smoking kits.'' How can the Biden 
administration ensure Federal dollars aren't funding ``smoking kits'' 
or ``crack pipes''?

    Answer. As Secretary Becerra stated \1\ in clear terms: no Federal 
funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of 
grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits. I support evidence-based 
practical strategies that prevent deadly overdoses, reduce the spread 
of disease associated with drug use, and engage individuals that use 
drugs in treatment productively. If confirmed, I will work with the 
appropriate subject-matter experts on this issue and follow the law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/02/09/statement-hhs-
secretary-xavier-becerra-and-ondcp-director-rahul-gupta.html.

    Question. Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
Services (CMS) issued the first proposed regulations to implement the 
Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation. This is a new and 
voluntary Medicare program. It lets hospitals maintain essential 
medical services in their communities like 24/7 emergency care and 
outpatient care. I ask that CMS issue the rest of the proposed 
regulations timely and fairly. Rural hospitals cannot wait any longer. 
It's important that CMS work closely with rural hospitals to ensure the 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
regulations don't hinder already struggling hospitals.

    Should CMS hold specific listening sessions with rural hospitals to 
ensure the REH regulations are fair and reasonable?

    Should CMS issue the least administratively burden regulations for 
REH?

    Do you have concerns about the current administrative and financial 
burdens rural hospitals face from Federal regulations and how that may 
impact their ability to provide care? I want to note, I'm committed to 
ensuring hospitals provide high-quality and safe health care.

    Answer. Section 1861(kkk) of the Social Security Act, as added by 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides for Medicare 
payment for items and services furnished by REHs on or after January 1, 
2023, and CMS continues to work diligently to ensure that this 
provision is implemented by this date. REHs will offer the opportunity 
for current Critical Access Hospitals and rural hospitals with fewer 
than 50 beds to seek REH designation. In accordance with this 
provision, REHs are required to furnish emergency services and 
observation care, and they may elect to provide additional specified 
medical and health services on an outpatient basis.

    By providing these services, rural communities will maintain access 
to health care that otherwise may not be available. CMS remains 
steadfast in its commitment to rural communities' access to health-care 
services and is focused on implementing the REH provision through 
rulemaking by January 1, 2023.

    CMS will continue to engage stakeholders regarding the REH 
provision to ensure implementation consistent with the commitment above 
by seeking input from the rural community on specific proposed REH 
standards, including the ability of an REH to provide low-risk 
childbirth-related labor and delivery services and whether CMS should 
require that an REH also provide outpatient surgical services in the 
event that surgical labor and delivery intervention is necessary. CMS 
is also requesting comments regarding whether it is appropriate for an 
REH to allow a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant, 
a nurse practitioner, or a clinical nurse specialist, with training or 
experience in emergency medicine, to be on call and immediately 
available by telephone or radio contact and available on site within 
specified timeframes.

                                 ______
                                 
                Questions Submitted by Hon. Rob Portman
                      fentanyl and overdose deaths
    Question. Thank you for being with us today. The United States 
experienced an estimated 107,622 drug overdose deaths during 2021, an 
increase of nearly 15 percent from the 93,655 deaths estimated in 2020. 
The majority of these deaths are caused by fentanyl that can be laced 
into other drugs or even masked as other substances like pain 
medication or anti-anxiety medications. I understand that you have 
focused much of your career on the response to the opioid epidemic. I 
particularly appreciate your work on prescription drug monitoring 
programs and other ways to limit exposure to medications that are very 
addictive. I understand the Biden administration is emphasizing harm 
reduction as a means to reduce the number of overdose deaths.

    Aside from harm reduction efforts, what other steps would you take 
in this role to lower the number of people who are exposed to fentanyl 
and are losing their lives across the country?

    Do you think that the Federal Government should lead a clear 
campaign to get the message out that fentanyl is deadly and could be in 
any drug that doesn't come from a pharmacist?

    Answer. The overdose crisis plaguing our Nation requires a forceful 
response that is rooted in evidence about what works to save lives, 
reduce the spread of disease, and address the underlying issue by 
engaging individuals in treatment productively so they achieve long-
term recovery. The HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy includes 
prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery 
efforts, and includes steps to raise public awareness about overdose 
risks and prevention. If confirmed, I will follow the law and commit to 
working with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial public 
health leaders to address this deadly epidemic and its key drivers by 
deploying evidence-informed practices.
           medication-assisted treatment (mat) and treats act
    Question. I'd like to talk about increasing access to addiction 
treatment. As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has tolled heavily on 
Americans' mental health. Given the latest overdose numbers, we need to 
continue to explore and pursue evidence-based policies that support 
access to treatment for substance use disorders, such as Medication-
Assisted Treatment or MAT. That is why I introduced the TREATS Act with 
Senator Whitehouse to codify the flexibilities enacted during COVID to 
allow for the prescribing of MAT through a telehealth visit. I have 
heard from behavioral health providers throughout the pandemic that 
this flexibility has been particularly useful in treating patients 
living in rural areas, and has strengthened patient retention. The HHS 
ASPE published a report in July 2020 that acknowledged that retention 
in MAT for substance use disorder resulted in better outcomes, reduced 
rates of mortality, and reduced utilization of high-intensity 
treatment.

    If you are confirmed, will you commit to exploring evidence-based 
solutions, including the expanded role of telehealth in addiction 
treatment?

    Answer. The substance use disorder crisis demands a comprehensive, 
multifaceted evidence-based approach to include prevention, 
intervention, treatment, and recovery support services. I share 
President Biden's and Secretary Becerra's commitment to addressing this 
epidemic and making sure patients can get the treatment they need, 
which includes increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, 
which, when administered by trained professionals, reduces the risks of 
overdose and continued substance use. I appreciate your leadership on 
this issue and look forward to partnering with you, if I am confirmed, 
to continue to inform this important issue with data and evidence.

                                 ______
                                 
               Questions Submitted by Hon. James Lankford
    Question. As you may be aware, this committee has been working on 
several mental health proposals. In my opinion, one of the many ways in 
which the mental health of Americans is impacted is through substance 
abuse. In my State of Oklahoma, the opioid crisis is a primary 
perpetrator of this.

    Due to your extensive work on the opioid crisis across America, do 
you believe that opioid prevention strategies should be included in 
Congress' work on mental health?

    What are some examples of effective strategies you have seen in 
your work to address this ongoing crisis?

    Answer. Mental health and substance use challenges, often co-
occurring, have a strong relationship to physical health outcomes. This 
area of health has historically been underemphasized and underfunded. 
ASPE can continue to play a critical role in strengthening our Nation's 
behavioral health, including by informing evidence-based ways to treat 
substance use disorders in coordination with mental health conditions. 
If confirmed, I will continue to prioritize this issue, including by 
supporting programs and initiatives across the continuum of prevention, 
intervention, treatment, and recovery supports; by informing care 
integration across disorders, settings, and providers; and by enhancing 
access to other supportive social services.

    Question. The Monitoring the Future Survey is funded by NIDA and 
measures drug and alcohol use in adolescents nationwide. In 2021, and 
likely because of the pandemic and lack of social interaction, overall 
substance abuse dropped among adolescents. The notable and concerning 
outlier was marijuana. Marijuana vapes and marijuana smoking were the 
only substances to report an increase in use among students. This is 
not surprising to me because we know marijuana is addictive and has a 
high potential for abuse. With the aggressive wave of marijuana 
legalization and the availability of highly potent and often candy-
flavored THC products, I'm very concerned about the negative effects 
this has and will continue to have on our children.

    Currently on the Surgeon General's website, there is an advisory on 
marijuana and the developing brain. The advisory States that marijuana 
works by binding to receptors in the brain to produce euphoria, 
intoxication, memory and motor impairments. These same receptors are 
critical for brain development including the formation of brain 
circuits important for decision-making, mood, and responding to stress.

    Additionally, a 2002 study posted on NIH's website found that daily 
use of marijuana in young women was associated with an over-fivefold 
increase in the odds of reporting a state of depression and anxiety. 
Weekly marijuana use was associated with a twofold increased risk of 
depression and anxiety.

    As you have done much research on marijuana's impact on our 
society's youth and have noted that more research is needed for 
effective policy solutions, can you expand on the link between 
adolescent marijuana consumption and mental health, both what we know 
already and what still needs to be researched?

    Will you commit to not supporting marijuana policy initiatives that 
are not adequately linked to scientific evidence?

    Answer. Marijuana use among adolescents happens at a time when the 
brain is still developing, placing young people at particular risk for 
cognitive consequences and addiction. Additional evidence is needed to 
continue to understand these impacts, particularly in light of the 
legalization of marijuana for adult use in many States and the range in 
current products and regulatory environments. FDA has also issued 
warning letters to companies illegally selling CBD and Delta-8 THC 
products, to ensure that consumers can make informed choices about 
products. If confirmed, I will work with Federal partners as well as 
States on this issue to identify high-quality data and evidence to 
inform policies that will prioritize the health of our Nation's youth.

    Question. ASPE is a member of the Interagency Group on Alzheimer's 
Disease and Related Dementias per the National Alzheimer's Project Act 
(NAPA). HHS updated its NAPA plans this January to include a goal of 
``Promoting Healthy Aging and Reducing Risk Factors.'' As you know, 
Americans impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases are 
growing, with studies showing that over 150 million people will have 
Alzheimer's by 2050. This new goal was put in place largely due to the 
several studies showing ways to prevent Alzheimer's with certain 
lifestyle changes.

    How involved have you been in Alzheimer's research planning in your 
current role at ASPE, and will you commit, if confirmed, to staying the 
course on tracking down how we can best prevent, treat, and cure the 
public health crisis that is Alzheimer's?

    Answer. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias affect a growing 
proportion of our older populations, which makes the work of the 
Interagency Group on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias under 
the NAPA critically important. If confirmed, ASPE will continue to play 
an important coordination and contributory role in this interagency 
group, as well as continue to work with partners on how to best address 
this public health crisis using data and evidence.

    Question. As you know, Congress has continued to maintain the Hyde 
Amendment on a bipartisan basis each year in annual funding bills since 
1976.

    If confirmed, will you continue to uphold and enforce the 
restrictions of the Hyde Amendment--that no Federal funding can pay for 
abortions except in the case of rape, incest, or to protect the life of 
the mother--as enacted by Congress, as well as other prolife 
protections currently in Federal law without misinterpreting or 
applying such laws to allow coverage for travel to obtain abortion?

    Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation, I will follow the law.

    Question. Will you commit to not attempting to weaken the Hyde 
Amendment and similar prolife policies or strip them from future 
budgets or appropriations bills?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the law.

    Question. Congress has also continued to include conscience 
protections for individuals who have a religious or moral objection to 
participating in certain medical procedures. Specifically, the Weldon 
Amendment, which has been included in funding bills since 2004, 
restricts Federal funding from going to agencies or programs that 
discriminate against health-care providers that do not provide, pay 
for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Unfortunately, this 
administration has walked back enforcement of the Weldon Amendment, 
including rescinding enforcement action on California for violating 
Weldon.

    If confirmed, will you continue to uphold and enforce the Weldon 
Amendment and all other conscience protections enacted by Congress to 
ensure that no health-care providers are discriminated against with 
Federal dollars because of their personal or professional view on 
abortion, gender transitions, or other procedures?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the law.

    Question. A report \2\ from the Obama administration in 2010 
reinforced the importance of faith-based partnerships. Among the 
recommendations put forward in the report was to draw more on the local 
expertise and relationships of faith-based organizations as a way of 
filling gaps in the provision of essential services. Faith-based 
organizations are excellent, effective, and efficient at meeting the 
needs of our most at-risk populations. The report also highlighted the 
need to ease overly burdensome reporting and regulation requirements 
placed on social service agencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\ https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/
microsites/ofbnp-council-final-report.pdf.

    Do you agree that it is important to continue pursuing ways to 
engage and expand faith-based partnerships as a way of effectively 
addressing some of the most critical social service needs in our 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
country?

    Answer. We should be working with all types of providers and 
grantees to fulfill ACF's mission of supporting children and families. 
If confirmed, I look forward to listening to and working closely with 
faith-based providers.

    Question. The Supreme Court has, in multiple decisions, reiterated 
that religious organizations cannot be discriminated against in the 
distribution of a public benefit for which they otherwise qualify 
because of their religious beliefs or identity.

    Will you commit to ensuring that no policy in HHS will disqualify a 
religious organization from receiving aid or participating in grant 
programs simply because of the organization's religious beliefs or 
because the organization receives statutory protections for religious 
freedom like those in title VII and title IX?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the law.

    Question. Faith-based child welfare providers perform vital 
services for hundreds of thousands of foster children nationwide and 
are often the best at finding forever homes for children in need. 
According to HHS's AFCARS report, 407,493 children are in foster care, 
117,470 of whom are waiting to be adopted. Unfortunately, HHS continues 
to take steps to put religious child welfare providers in the untenable 
position of choosing between serving children or operating in 
accordance with the tenets of their faith, despite the unanimous 
Supreme Court decision in Fulton v. Philadelphia, which validated the 
principle that religious adoption agencies have a right to be free from 
discriminatory exclusion from adoption and foster care programs because 
of their beliefs.

    If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that religious child 
welfare organizations can continue to serve families in accordance with 
their sincerely held religious beliefs?

    Answer. Faith-based providers are critical to the child welfare 
system. If confirmed, I look forward to listening to and working 
closely with faith-based providers. More broadly, I will work to ensure 
that ASPE provides the Secretary with timely evidence to support HHS's 
ongoing efforts around child welfare and foster care.

    Question. As I similarly shared with the Surgeon General and 
Secretary Becerra, other countries are seeing the effects of 
experimental medical treatments on children with gender dysphoria and 
are reversing course. For example, in May 2021, Sweden ended the use of 
puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for most minors. Finland also 
began prioritizing psychological interventions and support over medical 
interventions. Similarly, in the UK, litigation, which suspended 
medical intervention on children under 16 for a time, has sparked a 
national conversation about the effects of surgical procedures on 
minors. Nevertheless, I'm concerned by the direction the administration 
and HHS seems to be going to encourage children with gender dysphoria 
to medically transition, regardless of parental involvement.

    Based on the medical evidence that exists, do you believe that it 
is appropriate for children to receive such treatment?

    If so, at what age do you think it is medically and ethically 
appropriate for a child to give consent to receive a treatment with 
such lasting and adverse effects such as permanent damage to brain 
development or infertility?

    Do you agree that at a minimum, parents need to provide consent for 
their children to receive such care?

    Would you agree that no taxpayer dollars should be used to perform 
a transition procedure on a child who cannot reasonably provide 
informed consent?

    Would you agree that medical professionals should not be compelled 
to participate in such treatment if it goes against their sincerely 
held religious beliefs, conscience or best medical judgement?

    Answer. All young Americans, including transgender youth, should 
have access to the care and treatment they need. If confirmed, I will 
follow the law. It is not ASPE's role to evaluate specific medical 
treatments, but if confirmed, I will ensure that ASPE works closely 
with departmental leadership to support the President's and the 
Secretary's vision of an equitable and high-quality health-care system 
for all Americans.

    Question. If confirmed in this role, you will have the 
responsibility to review regulations, including considering the cost 
and benefits of regulatory policies. I am incredibly concerned by a 
number of regulatory actions that the administration is expected to 
take in the coming months that could place medical professionals in a 
position to either violate their conscience or lose their job. 
Specifically, I am concerned by the proposed rescission of the 
conscience rule as well as the proposed rule that would expand 
discrimination on the basis of sex under section 1557 of the Affordable 
Care Act to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, 
gender identity, and termination of pregnancy.

    If confirmed, will you commit to evaluating the impact that such 
rules would have on access to quality medical care if medical 
professionals were forced to choose between their conscience and their 
job?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will follow the law. ASPE plays an 
important role in the regulatory process, and if confirmed, I will 
ensure that ASPE relies on rigorous and objective policy analysis to 
assess the costs and benefits of all proposed regulations that we 
review.
                 Question Submitted by Hon. Todd Young
    Question. I appreciated reading in your testimony your commitment 
to ensuring those ``across HHS have the best available data and 
evidence when they are making decisions.'' I've long been an advocate 
in Congress for the use of outcomes-driven, evidence-based policy 
solutions.

    How will you ensure ASPE uses an evidence-based approach for 
analysis and recommendations?

    Answer. ASPE's greatest resource is the expertise of its career 
staff, who provide independent, data-driven information to support 
policymaking by HHS. If confirmed, I will ensure that ASPE continues to 
empower its subject matter experts to provide their input, and that I 
communicate clearly with HHS leadership what the evidence tells us 
about the policies we consider. I can also commit that ASPE will 
continue to closely track the latest developments in research methods 
and build improved data capacity to answer the key policy challenges 
that face the Department.

                                 ______
                                 
               Questions Submitted by Hon. John Barrasso
    Question. Twenty-five of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the 
Department of Health and Human Services on June 9th requesting 
information on the Department's progress in transitioning beyond 
policies tied to the public health emergency. While I understand that 
in your current role, and if confirmed, in your future role, you do not 
have direct decision-making power over the status of these policies, 
your office still provides critical analysis for future policy 
development within HHS.

    If confirmed, to what extent would you focus ASPE's resources on 
studying the effects of temporary, pandemic-related policies 
implemented in the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs over the past 
2+ years?

    Similarly, and if confirmed, are there specific research questions 
or policy issues stemming from these temporary policies that you 
anticipate ASPE would analyze, such as the long-run considerations of 
making certain COVID-19 flexibilities permanent?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with our subject matter 
experts to evaluate the effects of pandemic policies including 
telehealth, the continuous enrollment provision in Medicaid during the 
PHE, and other emergency authorities that have been implemented. In 
these areas, ASPE's role is to assess the research evidence on effects 
of these policies to date, consider the potential consequences of their 
future extension, and examine policy alternatives to support the 
Secretary's decision-making in these areas.

    Question. As a doctor, I am proud to help lead the Senate 
Comprehensive Care Caucus. The focus of this group is to improve 
palliative care and hospice services. We must ensure Federal policies 
are helping patients achieve the highest quality of life possible, 
especially for those who are facing terminal illnesses.

    If confirmed, can you comment on how you would prioritize the use 
of ASPE's resources to study hospice and palliative care issues?

    What do you believe are the most important gaps in data or research 
related to hospice and palliative care?

    Answer. ASPE staff have substantial expertise in Medicare policy, 
long-term care services, the direct care workforce, hospice, and end-
of-life care. If confirmed, I would emphasize the importance of 
research and evaluation in these domains that focuses on equitable 
access to high quality end-of-life care, including in rural areas and 
in home and community settings, as well as policy levers that can 
improve well-being for both patients and their families facing terminal 
illnesses.

                                 ______
                                 
  Prepared Statement of Jay Curtis Shambaugh, Ph.D., Nominated to be 
 Under Secretary for International Affairs, Department of the Treasury
    Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and distinguished members of 
the committee, I am honored to appear before the committee today as you 
consider my nomination to be Treasury Under Secretary for International 
Affairs. I am thankful to have the support of President Biden, Vice 
President Harris, and Secretary Yellen. If confirmed, it would be a 
privilege to work with the distinguished public servants in 
International Affairs at Treasury. I look forward to working closely 
with this committee and your colleagues in Congress to pursue 
international economic policies that further the interests of the 
American people.

    I want to thank my family for their support: my wife Lisa, who is 
here with me today; my children Tyler and Jack; my sister; and my 
parents Curt and Nancy Shambaugh.

    My mother was a teacher; she volunteered at the local hospital and 
in schools; and she eventually became the president of the school board 
for the local public school system I attended. My father worked in 
finance and also served as a trustee for our church. I learned from my 
parents that public service and making a positive contribution in the 
world is an important responsibility.

    I've tried to carry this lesson with me, serving as a deacon in two 
churches and coaching youth sports. I have also dedicated much of my 
professional life to making a positive contribution in the world 
through public service and engaging in public policy.

    For the last 25 years, my career has been focused on economic 
policy. My core research area has been empirical international 
macroeconomics--the study of exchange rates, capital flows, and 
spillovers across economies. I have published articles in top journals, 
as well as a book on these questions. I am a research associate at the 
National Bureau of Economic Research in International Finance and 
Macroeconomics. I also have presented at major conferences and central 
banks around the world, spent time as a visitor at the IMF, and have 
taught international economics for over 20 years. My experience creates 
a strong foundation to address many of the policy questions faced by 
Treasury's Office of International Affairs.

    At the same time, my experience is not just theoretical. During my 
time at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, I attended many 
strategic and economic dialogue meetings with Chinese officials and met 
with officials from a number of countries. I also represented the U.S. 
Government at the OECD in discussions related to economic issues. These 
experiences have prepared me well to serve in the role of Under 
Secretary, where international economic diplomacy is one of the many 
responsibilities. I also had the opportunity to work on a wide range of 
international economic issues--ranging from trade and development 
economics to international finance and climate--preparing me for the 
broad range of subjects covered by Treasury International Affairs.

    I also have significant experience working on U.S. economic policy 
issues, ranging from economic and wage growth, to energy and climate 
issues, to regional disparities and the impact of trade shocks. 
Studying these issues has prepared me to carefully consider how U.S. 
global leadership on a range of economic issues affects the American 
economy, American households, and American workers.

    The last 2 decades have emphasized more than ever the importance of 
our global economic policies and how those policies affect the U.S. 
economy, our national security, and American families. Shifting trade 
patterns and rising trade and competition with China have directly 
impacted many U.S. communities. The global economic crisis after 2008 
accentuated the importance of global growth to the health of our 
economy. Dealing with the disruption of the flow of goods and parts 
during the pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of our 
economy. Most recently, U.S. global economic tools are being used to 
respond to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which further 
underscores the importance of our economic diplomacy to protect 
national security.

    Interconnectedness, financial crises, shocks from trade, 
complicated supply chains, unequal global outcomes, the links between 
foreign and economic policies--these are the challenges of our time. If 
confirmed, I look forward to working on these issues and consulting 
closely with the members of this committee and Congress.

    Thank you, Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo. I welcome your 
questions.

                                 ______
                                 

                        SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE

                  STATEMENT OF INFORMATION REQUESTED 
                               OF NOMINEE

                      A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

 1.  Name (include any former names used): Jay Curtis Shambaugh.

 2.  Position to which nominated: Under Secretary for International 
Affairs, Treasury Department.

 3.  Date of nomination: March 7, 2022.

 4.  Address (list current residence, office, and mailing addresses):

 5.  Date and place of birth: February 20, 1970; Huntington, NY.

 6.  Marital status (include maiden name of wife or husband's name):

 7.  Names and ages of children:

 8.  Education (list all secondary and higher education institutions, 
dates attended, degree received, and date degree granted):

        Cold Spring Harbor High School.

        Yale University 1988-1992 (BA in Ethics, Politics, and 
        Economics, 1992)

        Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy 1995-1997 (Master of Arts 
        in Law and Diplomacy, 1997).

        University of California at Berkeley, 1997-2002 (Ph.D. in 
        Economics, 2002).

 9.  Employment record (list all jobs held since college, including the 
title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and 
dates of employment for each job):

        Mercer Management Consulting, 8/1992-6/1994, Research Analyst 
        (entry level consulting). New York, NY.

        RIS Language School (Osaka Japan English Language School), 9/
        1994-3/1995, English Teacher, Osaka, Japan.

        Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Research Assistant, 
        summer 1996, and Teaching Assistant, fall 1996, for Professor 
        Michael Klein. Medford, MA.

        UC Berkeley Economics, Research Assistant and Teaching 
        Assistant, summer 1998-spring 2002. Berkeley, CA. (While a 
        Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley, I had various TA and RA positions 
        when not on full-fellowships (it varied over the years)).

        Dartmouth College Economics Department, Assistant Professor and 
        Associate Professor, fall 2002-spring 2009. Hanover, NH.

        White House Council of Economic Advisers, July 2009 to June 
        2011, Senior Economist for International Economics (1 year) and 
        Chief Economist (1 year), Washington, DC.

        Georgetown University School of Business, Associate Professor, 
        August 2011-May 2012. Washington, DC.

        GWU Elliot School of International Affairs, Associate 
        Professor, Full Professor, August 2012-present (on leave August 
        2015-January 2017), Washington, DC.

        White House Council of Economic Advisers--Member, August 2015-
        January 2017, Washington, DC.

        Hamilton Project at Brookings Institution--Director, August 
        2017-July 2020, Washington, DC.

        I have also held a number of part-time positions (often brief 
        visiting arrangements over summers or part-time during the 
        academic year.) These include:

        Trinity College Institute for International Integration 
        Studies, fall 2005, visiting fellow. Dublin, Ireland (spent 5 
        months there while on sabbatical; limited responsibilities 
        beyond working on my own research).

        IMF Visiting Scholar, various points in time, most significant 
        was from late 2011 to early 2013; shorter stints (1 week) as a 
        visitor in 2005 and 2008, Washington, DC.

        INSEAD University visiting professor, May 2014-June 2015. 
        Fontainebleau, France, and Washington, DC (taught 7-week course 
        to MBA students in Fontainebleau, France; also taught 2-3 
        executive education courses in the U.S. in 2014-2015).

        World Bank, summer 2015. Washington, DC (brief consulting 
        contract).

        WashU at Brookings, 2017-2019. Washington, DC (on rare 
        occasions did a guest lecture for a fee).

        IMF External Review Unit, 2018. Washington, DC (compensated for 
        participating in a 1-day review of IMF practices in 2018).

        WestExec Advisers, August 2020-October 2020, Principal (3 
        hours per week), Washington, DC (advised on the global 
        economy).

        Biden Transition Team, volunteer, member of the Agency Review 
        Team for Council of Economic Advisers.

        Regenerative Crisis Response Committee, 2021. Virtual, 
        Washington, DC (received a stipend for participating).

        Denny Center at Georgetown, March 2021-December 2021. 
        Washington, DC (consulting project for a research center at 
        Georgetown).

        I have also on rare occasions written a commissioned paper or 
        given a speech for pay:

        Pearson Education (2000-2002, plus occasional revision during 
        2002-2008), authored study guide to a textbook.

        MIT Press, 2008-09, authored a book.

        Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, spring 2012, 
        commissioned piece on the euro crisis.

        Bank of Japan, May 2013, Tokyo, Japan, stipend for speaking at 
        conference.

        Boston Federal Reserve, fall 2019, commissioned piece.

        University of Pittsburgh, fall 2019, Pittsburgh, PA, speaking 
        at a conference.

        Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 
        2021, authoring a paper.

10.  Government experience (list any current and former advisory, 
consultative, honorary, or other part-time service or positions with 
Federal, State, or local governments held since college, including 
dates, other than those listed above):

        Government service is listed above.

11.  Business relationships (list all current and former positions held 
as an officer, director, trustee, partner (e.g.. limited partner, non-
voting, etc.), proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any 
corporation, company, firm, partnership, other business enterprise, or 
educational or other institution):

        Director of the Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2017-2019.

        Director of the Institute for International Economic Policy at 
        GWU, 2014-2015; 2020-present (part of my job at GW).

        Member, Board of Econofact (not paid, no fiduciary 
        responsibility).

        Member, Advisory Council of The Hamilton Project (not paid, no 
        fiduciary responsibility).

12.  Memberships (list all current and former memberships, as well as 
any current and former offices held in professional, fraternal, 
scholarly, civic, business, charitable, and other organizations dating 
back to college, including dates for these memberships and offices):

        Member, Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, 
        2011-present. (I was a deacon for 1-year (in 2015), but had to 
        resign when I became a Member of the Council for Economic 
        Advisors.)

        Member, American Economics Association, 2002-2022; Member, 
        Committee on Government Relations, 2020-2022.

        Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, 2020-
        present.

        Research Associate, the National Bureau of Economic Research, 
        2007-present.

        Associate Editor, Journal of International Economics, 2017-
        present.

        Member, Board of Econofact, 2018-present.

        Member, Advisory Council, Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2020-
        present.

        Previous affiliations:

        Member, Regenerative Crisis Response Committee, 2020-2021.

        Member, Biden Transition Team, 2020.

        Member, National Academy of Sciences, National Research 
        Council, 2012-2013.

        Non-resident fellow, Atlantic Council, 3/2015-8/2015.

        Member, First Congregational Church (UCC) in Lebanon, NH, 2002-
        2009; on the Diaconate, 2006-2008.

        Visiting fellow, Institute for International Integration 
        Studies at Trinity College Dublin, 2005-2008.

        College Memberships during 1988-1992: Yale Marching Band, 
        Calhoun Literary Arts Magazine (editorial staff, editor for 1 
        year), various intramural sports teams.

13.  Political affiliations and activities:

        a.  List all public offices for which you have been a candidate 
        dating back to the age of 18.

       None.

        b.  List all memberships and offices held in and services 
        rendered to all political parties or election committees, 
        currently and during the last 10 years prior to the date of 
        your nomination.

       None.

        c.  Itemize all political contributions to any individual, 
        campaign organization, political party, political action 
        committee, or similar entity of $50 or more for the past 10 
        years prior to the date of your nomination.

          2012  $315 Obama for America.

          2020  $535.58 Biden for President: Biden Victory Fund.

          2020  $500 Biden Action Fund.

          2020  $100 Chatterji, Aaron Kumar, North Carolina

          2020  $100 McGrath for U.S. Senate (via ACTBLUE).

          2020  $100 Cal (Cunningham) for NC (via ACTBLUE).

          2020  $100 Sara Gideon for Maine (via ACTBLUE).

          2020  $100 Theresa Greenfield for Iowa (via ACTBLUE).

          2020  $100 Alyse (Galvin) for Alaska (via ACTBLUE).

          2020  $100 (Kathleen) Williams for Montana (via ACTBLUE).

14.  Honors and awards (list all scholarships, fellowships, honorary 
degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals, and any other 
special recognitions for outstanding service or achievement received 
since the age of 18):


    SOAR research support (GW)                           2013-4
    Rockefeller Center Faculty Research grant            2006-7
     (Dartmouth)
    Foundation Banque de France research grant           2006-7
    Dartmouth Junior Faculty Fellowship                  2006
    Rockefeller Scholar (Dartmouth)                      2005-6, 2003-4
    Walter and Constance Burke Award                     2002
    Simpson Fellowship in International and Comparative  2001-2
     Studies
    UC Berkeley Dean's Fellowship                        2001
    UC Berkeley First year Fellowship                    1997-8
    Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship         1996-7
     (Fletcher)
    Graduated cum laude and with distinction in major    1992
     (Yale)
 


15.  Published writings (list the titles, publishers, dates, and 
hyperlinks (as applicable) of all books, articles, reports, blog posts, 
or other published materials you have written):

                          List of Publications

Books:

  Exchange Rate Regimes in the Modern Era (with Michael Klein)--MIT 
            Press (Fall 2009)
Publications:
Academic publications, both final versions and working papers, can be 
found here: https://ideas.repec.org/f/psh497.html

  The Effect of Fixed Exchange Rates on Monetary Policy, Quarterly 
            Journal of Economics, vol. 119 no. 1, February 2004, p. 
            301-352, https://academic.oup.com/qje/article-abstract/119/
            1/301/1876076?redirectedFrom=fulltext

  Monetary Sovereignty, Exchange Rates, and Capital Controls: The 
            Trilemma in the Interwar Period, IMF Staff Papers, volume 
            51 special issue 2004, pp. 75-108 (with Maurice Obstfeld 
            and Alan M. Taylor), https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/imfstp/
            v51y2004is1p75-108.html

  The Trilemma in History: Tradeoffs Among Exchange Rates, Monetary 
            Policies, and Capital Mobility, Review of Economics and 
            Statistics, vol. 87, issue 3, August 2005, pp. 423-38 (with 
            Maurice Obstfeld and Alan M. Taylor), https://
            ideas.repec.org/a/tpr/restat/v87y2005i3p423-438.html

  An Experiment With Multiple Currencies: The American Monetary System 
            From 1838-60, Explorations in Economic History, vol. 43, 
            October 2006, 609-45, https://www.sciencedirect.com/
            science/article/abs/pii/S0014498305000458

  Fixed Exchange Rates and Trade, Journal of International Economics, 
            vol. 70, December 2006, pp. 359-83 [also NBER Working Paper 
            no. 10696] (with Michael Klein), https://
            www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S00221996060
            00250

  A New Look at Pass-through, Journal of International Money and 
            Finance, volume 27, issue 4, pages 560-591 (June 2008), 
            https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
            S0261560608000144

  The Impact of Foreign Interest Rates on the Economy: The Role of the 
            Exchange Rate Regime, Journal of International Economics, 
            vol. 74, 2008, 341-61 [available as IIIS Discussion Paper 
            no. 116 or IMF Working Paper 06/37] (with Julian di 
            Giovanni), https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/inecon/v74y2008i2
            p341-361.html

  The Dynamics of Exchange Rate Regimes: Fixes, Floats, and Flips, 
            Journal of International Economics, volume 75, issue 1, 
            pages 70-92 (May 2008) [previous version (The Nature of 
            Exchange Rate Regimes) available as NBER Working Paper no. 
            12729] (with Michael Klein), https://www.sciencedirect.
            com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022199607001304

  Financial Instability, Reserves, and Central Bank Swap Lines in the 
            Panic of 2008, American Economic Review (Papers and 
            Proceedings), May 2009 [available as NBER Working Paper no. 
            14826] (with Maurice Obstfeld and Alan M. Taylor), https://
            www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.99.2.480

  Financial Exchange Rates and International Currency Exposures, 
            American Economic Review, vol. 100, no. 1, March 2010, pp. 
            518-540 [available as NBER Working Paper no. 13433] (with 
            Philip Lane), https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/
            aer.100.1.518

  Financial Stability, the Trilemma, and International Reserves, 
            American Economic Association Journal--Macroeconomics, vol. 
            2, no. 2, April 2010, pp. 57-94 [available as NBER Working 
            Paper no. 14127] (with Alan Taylor and Maury Obstfeld), 
            https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/mac.2.2.57

  The Long or Short of It: Determinants of Foreign Currency Exposure in 
            External Balance Sheets, Journal of International 
            Economics, vol. 80, issue 1, pp. 33-44, January 2010 
            [available as NBER Working Paper no. 14909] (with Philip 
            Lane), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/
            pii/S00221996090
            01202

  Global Savings and Global Investment: The Transmission of Identified 
            Fiscal Shocks, American Economic Association Journal--
            Economic Policy, vol. 4(2), pages 95-114, May 2012 
            [available as NBER Working Paper no. 15113] (with James 
            Feyrer), https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/
            pol.4.2.95

  The Euro's Three Crises, Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 
            Spring 2012, pp. 157-211, https://www.brookings.edu/wp-
            content/uploads/2012/03/2012a_
            Shambaugh.pdf

  Rethinking Exchange Rate Regimes After the Crisis, 2014, in, What 
            Have We Learned?: Macroeconomic Policy After the Crisis, 
            ed. George A. Akerlof, Olivier J. Blanchard, David Romer, 
            Joseph E. Stiglitz, MIT Press [book chapter, no online 
            version]

  Adjustment in Euro Area Deficit Countries: Progress, Challenges, and 
            Policies, IMF Staff Discussion Note, no. 14/7, July 2014 
            (with Thierry Tressel, Shengzu Wang, Joong Shik Kang), 
            https://www.imf.org/-/media/Websites/IMF/imported-full-
            text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/sdn/2014/_sdn1407.ashx

  International Currency Exposures, Valuation Effects, and the Global 
            Financial Crisis, Journal of International Economics, 96 
            (2015) S98-S109 [available as NBER Working Paper no. 20820, 
            January 2015] (with Agustin S. Benetrix and Philip R. 
            Lane), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/
            pii/S0022199614001226

  Rounding the Corners of the Trilemma: Sources of Monetary Policy 
            Autonomy, American Economic Association Journal--
            Macroeconomics, October 2015, volume 7 no. 4, pp. 33-66 
            [available as NBER Working Paper no 19461, September 2013] 
            (with Michael Klein), https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=
            10.1257/mac.20130237

  The Rise and Fall of European Current Account Deficits, Economic 
            Policy, volume 31, issue 85, January 2016 (joint with Joong 
            Shik Kang), https://academic.
            oup.com/economicpolicy/article-abstract/31/85/153/
            2392422?redirectedFrom
            =fulltext

  How Fast Can We Grow, and Why That Matters, 2017, in Economics and 
            Policy in the Age of Trump, ed. Chad Bown, VoxEU CEPR book, 
            https://voxeu.org/content/economics-and-policy-age-trump

  Demand and Global Growth, 2017, in Proceedings of the Conference of 
            Councils of Economic Policy, German Council of Economic 
            Experts (meeting in June 2016), https://
            www.sachverstaendigenrat-wirtschaft.de/fileadmin/
            dateiablage
            /internationale-konferenz/
            International_Conference_of_Councils_of_Economic_
            Policy_2016.pdf

  Rethinking Fiscal Policy, in Evolution or Revolution (edited by 
            Olivier Blanchard and Larry Summers), MIT Press, April 2019 
            [book chapter, no online version]

  Trade Shocks and the Shifting Landscape of U.S. Manufacturing, 
            Journal of International Money and Finance, volume 111, 
            March 2021 (co-authored with Katherine Eriksson, Katheryn 
            Russ, and Minfei Xu) [NBER Working Paper no. 25646], 
            https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
            S0261560
            620302102

  The Recovery From the Great Recession: A Long, Evolving Expansion 
            2021, Annals of the American Academy of Political and 
            Social Science, May 2021, vol. 695, issue 1 (joint with 
            Michael Strain) [NBER Working Paper 28452], https://
            journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00027162211022305
Working Papers:
        The World Interest Rate (joint with Hang Zhou), 2020 
        [submitted, no online version]

        Education and unequal regional labor market outcomes: The 
        persistence of regional shocks and employment responses to 
        trade shocks (joint with Katheryn Russ). Prepared for the 
        Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Conference Session: Rethinking 
        regional responses to economic shocks, September 2019, https://
        www.bostonfed.org/-/media/Images/research-conference-2019/
        papers/Session-2-Russ-and-Shambaugh.pdf

        The Evolution of Current Account Deficits in the GIPS and the 
        Baltics: Many Paths to the Same Endpoint--IMF Working Paper 13/
        169, 2013, joint with Joong Shik Kang, https://www.imf.org/-/
        media/Websites/IMF/imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/wp/
        2013/_wp13169.ashx

        Progress Towards External Adjustment in the Euro Area Periphery 
        and the Baltics--IMF Working Paper 14/131, 2014, joint with 
        Joong Shik Kang, https://www.imf.org/-/media/Websites/IMF/
        imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/wp/2014/_wp14131.ashx
Books Edited
        Tackling the Tax Code: Efficient and Equitable Ways to Raise 
        Revenue (co-edited with Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton Project at 
        Brookings, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/
        TaxBookforWeb_12320.pdf

        Recession Ready: Fiscal Policies to Stabilize the American 
        Economy (co-edited with Heather Boushey and Ryan Nunn), The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/AutomaticStabilizers_Full
        Book_web_20190508.pdf

        Place Based Policies for Shared Economic Growth (co-edited with 
        Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        place_based_policies_for_shared_economic_growth

        Revitalizing Wage Growth (co-edited with Ryan Nunn), The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/revitalizing_
        wage_growth_full_book.pdf
Longer Policy Pieces
        How the Pandemic Is Changing the Economy. The Hamilton Project 
        at Brookings (with Wendy Edelberg), July 16, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        how_the_pandemic_is_changing_the_economy

        The Slowdown in Productivity Growth and Policies to Restore it. 
        The Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Emily Moss and Ryan 
        Nunn), June 17, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        the_slowdown_in_productivity_growth
        _and_policies_that_can_restore_it

        Who Stands to Lose if the Final SNAP Work Requirement Rule 
        Takes Effect?, The Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Lauren 
        Bauer and Jana Parsons), April 6, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/who_stands_to_lose_if
        _the_final_snap_work_requirement_rule_takes_effect

        A Dozen Facts About the Economics of the U.S. Health-Care 
        System. The Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Ryan Nunn and 
        Jana Parsons), March 10, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        papers/a_dozen_facts_about_the_economics_
        of_the_u.s_health_care_system

        The Economics of Federal Tax Policy (with Emily Moss and Ryan 
        Nunn) in Tackling the Tax Code: Efficient and Equitable Ways to 
        Raise Revenue (co-
        edited with Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton Project at Brookings, 
        2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        the_economics_of_federal_tax_policy

        Ten Facts About the Economics of Climate Change and Climate 
        Policy. The Hamilton Project, The Stanford Institute for 
        Economic Policy Research, October 23, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/ten_facts_about_the_econom
        ics_of_climate_change_and_climate_policy

        Labor Force Nonparticipation: Trends, Causes, and Policy 
        Solutions. The Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Ryan Nunn 
        and Jana Parsons), October 3, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        labor_force_nonparticipation_trends_
        causes_and_policy_solutions

        Employment, Education, and the Time Use of American Youth. The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Lauren Bauer, Emily Moss, 
        and Ryan Nunn), September 5, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/employment_educa
        tion_and_the_time_use_of_american_youth

        The Shift in Private Sector Union Participation: Explanations 
        and Effects. The Hamilton Project at Brookings (with Ryan Nunn 
        and Jimmy O'Donnell), 
        August 22, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/
        UnionsEA_

        Web_8.19.
        pdf

        The Damage Done by Recessions and How to Respond, May 2019 (co-
        authored with Heather Boushey, Jimmy O'Donnell, and Ryan Nunn) 
        in Recession Ready: Fiscal Policies to Stabilize the American 
        Economy (co-edited with Heather Boushey and Ryan Nunn), The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        the_damage_done_by_recessions_and_how_to_
        respond

        How Do Work Requirement Waivers Help SNAP Respond to a 
        Recession?, April 2019 (co-authored with Lauren Bauer and Jana 
        Parsons), The Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/EA-SNAP-Triggers
        _final.pdf

        Nine Facts About Monetary Sanctions in the Criminal Justice 
        System (co-
        authored with Ryan Nunn and Patrick Liu), The Hamilton Project 
        at Brookings, March 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        papers/nine_facts_about_mone
        tary_sanctions_in_the_criminal_justice_system

        Nine Facts About State and Local Policy (co-authored with Ryan 
        Nunn and Jana Parsons). The Hamilton Project at Brookings, 
        January 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        nine_facts_about_state_and_local_policy

        The Economics of Bail and Pretrial Detention, December 2018, 
        co-authored with Patrick Liu and Ryan Nunn. The Hamilton 
        Project at Brookings, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        the_economics_of_bail_and_pretrial_detention

        Labor Market Considerations for a National Jobs Guarantee 
        (joint with Jimmy O'Donnell and Ryan Nunn). The Hamilton 
        Project at Brookings, December 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/labor_market_considerations_for
        _a_national_job_guarantee

        A Dozen Facts About Immigration (co-authored with Ryan Nunn and 
        Jimmy O'Donnell). The Hamilton Project at Brookings, October 
        2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        a_dozen_facts_about_immigration

        Work Requirements and Safety Net Programs (co-authored with 
        Lauren Bauer and Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach), October 2018. 
        The Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/work_requirements_and_
        safety_net_programs
        Introduction to Place Based Policies (co-authored with Ryan 
        Nunn and Jana Parsons) in Place Based Policies for Shared 
        Economic Growth (co-edited with Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton 
        Project at Brookings, September 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/
        ES_THP_PBP_book_20190425.pdf

        The Geography of Prosperity (co-authored with Ryan Nunn and 
        Jana Parsons) in Place Based Policies for Shared Economic 
        Growth (co-edited with Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton Project at 
        Brookings, September 2018, https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/papers/the_geography_of_prosperity

        Where Work Pays (co-authored with Lauren Bauer and Audrey 
        Breitwieser, and Ryan Nunn), The Hamilton Project at Brookings, 
        July 2018, https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/papers/where_work_pays_report

        The State of Competition and Dynamism: Facts About 
        Concentration, Start-ups, and Related Policies (co-authored 
        with Audrey Breitwieser, Patrick Liu, and Ryan Nunn), The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, June 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        the_state_of_competition_and_dynamism_facts
        _about_concentration_start_

        Reducing Chronic Absenteeism Under the Every Student Succeeds 
        Act (strategy paper), co-authored with Lauren Bauer, Patrick 
        Liu, Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, April 2018. The Hamilton 
        Project at Brookings, https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        reducing_chronic_absenteeism_under_the_every_
        student_succeeds_act

        Introduction to Revitalizing Wage Growth (co-authored with Ryan 
        Nunn and Becca Portman), in Revitalizing Wage Growth, February 
        2018. The Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/revitalizing
        _wage_growth_policies_to_get_american_workers_a_raise

        How Declining Dynamism Affects Wages (co-authored with Ryan 
        Nunn and Patrick Liu) in Revitalizing Wage Growth, February 
        2018. The Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/how_declining_dynamism
        _affects_wages

        Returning to Education: The Hamilton Project on Human Capital 
        and Wages (co-authored with Lauren Bauer and Audrey 
        Breitwieser) in Revitalizing Wage Growth, February 2018. The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        returning_to_education_the_hamilton_project_on_
        human_capital_and_wages

        Lessons From the Rise of Women's Labor Force Participation in 
        Japan (co-
        authored with Ryan Nunn and Becca Portman), December 2017. The 
        Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        papers/lessons_from_the
        _rise_of_womens_labor_force_participation_in_japan

        Eleven Facts About Innovation and Patents (co-authored with 
        Ryan Nunn and Becca Portman), December 2017. The Hamilton 
        Project at Brookings, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        eleven_facts_about_innovation_and_patents

        Who Is Poor in the United States? A Hamilton Project Annual 
        Report (co-
        authored with Lauren Bauer and Audrey Breitwieser), October 
        2017. The Hamilton Project at Brookings, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/who_is_
        poor_in_the_united_states_a_hamilton_project_annual_report

        Thirteen Facts about Wage Growth (co-authored with Ryan Nunn, 
        Patrick Liu, Greg Nantz), September 2017. The Hamilton Project 
        at Brookings, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/
        thirteen_facts_about_wage_growth

        ``How Should We Think About This Recovery?'' Speech at 
        Macroeconomic Advisers' 26th Annual Policy Seminar, September 
        14, 2016, https://obamawhite
        house.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/
        20160914_cea_shambaugh_macro
        advisers.pdf

        ``Why the United States Needs the World to Grow.'' Speech at 
        Society of American Business Editors and Writers, May 21, 2016, 
        https://obamawhitehouse
        .archives.gov/sites/default/files/page/files/
        20160521_sabew_conference_cea.pdf
Reviews, online contributions, and others
        What ``Transitory'' Inflation Really Means, Barron's, August 
        12, 2021, https://www.barrons.com/articles/what-transitory-
        inflation-really-means-51628785705

        Don't overreact to inflation data this spring, Brookings Blog 
        Post, April 8, 2021, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        dont_overreact_to_inflation_data_this_
        spring

        How Should We Think About 2020 GDP Growth? (with Michael 
        Klein), Econfact, February 16, 2021, https://econofact.org/how-
        should-we-think-about-2020-gdp-growth

        Don't let flashy 3rd quarter GDP growth fool you, the economy 
        is still in a big hole, Brookings Blog Post, October 26, 2020, 
        https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2020/10/26/dont-let-
        flashy-3rd-quarter-gdp-growth-fool-you-the-economy-is-still-in-
        a-big-hole/

        The Role of Automatic Stabilizers in Fighting Recessions, 
        Econfact, October 13, 2020, https://econofact.org/the-role-of-
        automatic-stabilizers-in-fighting-recessions

        ``A $1.5 Trillion Compromise Democrats Can't Ignore'' (original 
        title: Americans Need More Virus Aid), New York Times op-ed, 
        September 17, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/17/opinion/
        covid-relief-plan-congress.html

        Who Are the Potentially Misclassified in the Employment Report? 
        (with Lauren Bauer, Wendy Edelberg, Jimmy O'Donnell), Brookings 
        and THP Blog post, June 30, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/who_are_the_potentially_mis
        classified_in_the_employment_report

        Examining Options to Boost Essential Worker Wages During the 
        Pandemic (with Ryan Nunn, Jimmy O'Donnell), Brookings and THP 
        Blog post, June 4, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        examining_options_to_boost_
        essential_worker_wages_during_the_pandemic

        Incomes Have Crashed. How Much Has Unemployment Insurance 
        Helped? (with Ryan Nunn, Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP Blog 
        post, May 13, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        incomes_have_crashed_how_much_has_
        unemployment_insurance_helped

        How to Reduce Emissions as Much as Possible at the Lowest Cost 
        (with Melanie Gilarsky, Kriston McIntosh), Brookings and THP 
        Blog post, April 22, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/how_to_reduce_emissions_as_much
        _as_possible_at_the_lowest_cost

        We Need to Let Economic Data Guide Further Economic Policy 
        Responses to COVID-19, Brookings and THP Blog post, April 20, 
        2020, https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        we_need_to_let_economic_data_guide_further_economic
        _policy_responses_to_covid_19

        We are already in a deep recession--can we make it a short 
        one?, The Hill, April 8, 2020, https://thehill.com/opinion/
        finance/491761-we-are-already-in-a-deep-recession-can-we-make-
        it-a-short-one

        We Are Already in a Recession: Can We Make It a Short One? 
        Brookings and THP Blog post, April 3, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/we_are_
        already_in_a_recession_can_we_make_it_a_short_one

        COVID-19 and the U.S. Economy: FAQ on the Economic Impact and 
        Policy Response, Brookings and THP Blog post, March 23, 2020, 
        https://www.hamilton
        project.org/blog/
        covid_19_and_the_u.s_economy_faq_on_the_economic_impact_
        policy_response

        Coronavirus response must include bold fiscal policy, The Hill, 
        March 23, 2020, https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/488920-
        coronavirus-response-must-include-bold-fiscal-policy

        The Economic Policy Response to COVID-19: What Comes Next? 
        Brookings and THP Blog post, March 16, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        the_economic_policy_response_to_covid_19_what_comes_next

        Five things fiscal policy could do to fight the COVID-19 
        outbreak, Marketwatch, March 4, 2020, https://
        www.marketwatch.com/story/five-things-fiscal-policy-could-do-
        to-fight-a-covid-19-outbreak-2020-03-04

        What Should a Fiscal Response to a COVID-19 Outbreak Look Like? 
        Brookings and THP Blog post, March 3, 2020, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        what_should_a_fiscal_response_to_a_covid_19_outbreak_look_like

        Examining the Black-White Wealth Gap (with Kriston McIntosh, 
        Emily Moss, Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP Blog post, February 
        26, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        examining_the_black_white_wealth_gap

        Labor Market Data Suggests Household Income Growth Was Strong 
        in 2019 (with Emily Moss, Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP Blog 
        post, February 6, 2020, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        labor_market_data_suggests_
        household_income_growth_was_strong_in_2019

        Innovative options for raising revenue, The Hill, February 1, 
        2020 (with Kriston McIntosh, Ryan Nunn), https://thehill.com/
        opinion/finance/480995-innovative-options-for-raising-revenue

        Who Was Poor in the U.S. in 2018? (with Lauren Bauer, Emily 
        Moss), Brookings and THP Blog post, December 5, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/who_was_poor_in_the_u.s_in_2018

        New SNAP Rule Change Just Made It Harder to Combat Future 
        Recessions (with Lauren Bauer, Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP 
        Blog post, December 4, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/new_snap_rule_just_made_it_
        harder_to_combat_recession

        Veterans are Engaged in the Labor Force and in the Classroom 
        (with Lauren Bauer, Santiago Deambrosi, Emily Moss), Brookings 
        and THP Blog post, October 31, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/veterans_are_engaged_
        in_the_labor_force_and_in_the_classroom

        The Alarming Employment Trends That the Jobs Report Won't Tell 
        You (with Kriston McIntosh, Ryan Nunn), CNN Business, October 
        4, 2019, https://www.
        cnn.com/2019/10/03/perspectives/jobs-report-employment-data/
        index.html

        Who Watches Out for Workers? (with Kriston McIntosh, Ryan Nunn, 
        and Jay Shambaugh), Real Clear Markets, August 27, 2019, 
        https://www.
        realclearmarkets.com/articles/2019/08/27/
        who_watches_out_for_workers_
        103879.html

        Race and Underemployment in the U.S. Labor Market (with Ryan 
        Nunn, Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP Blog post, August 1, 
        2019, https://www.hamilton
        project.org/blog/
        race_and_underemployment_in_the_u.s_labor_market

        The longest-ever economic recovery will end--here's what we can 
        do to prepare, The Hill, July 5, 2019, with Heather Boushey, 
        https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/451699-the-now-longest-
        ever-economic-recovery-will-end-heres-what-we-can-do-to

        All School and No Work Becoming the Norm for American Teens 
        (with Lauren Bauer, Patrick Liu, Emily Moss, Ryan Nunn), 
        Brookings and THP Blog post, July 2, 2019, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/all_school_and_no_work_
        becoming_the_norm_for_american_teens

        Wise Infrastructure Spending Can Stabilize the Economy, Boost 
        Climate, Real Clear Markets (with Stacy Anderson, Ryan Nunn), 
        June 23, 2019, https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2019/
        06/28/wise_infrastructure_spending
        _can_stabilize_the_economy_boost_climate_103801.html

        How Will We Know When a Recession Is Coming? (with Ryan Nunn, 
        Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP Blog post, June 6, 2019, 
        https://www.hamilton
        project.org/blog/how_will_we_know_when_a_recession_is_coming

        How Difficult Is It to Find a Job? (joint with Ryan Nunn and 
        Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP blog post, May 2, 2019, 
        https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        how_difficult_is_it_to_find_a_job

        Is the Continued Rise of Older Americans in the Workforce 
        Necessary for Future Growth? (joint with Lauren Bauer and 
        Patrick Liu), Brookings and THP blog post, April 4, 2019, 
        https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/is_the_contin
        ued_rise_of_older_americans_in_the_workforce_necessary_for_fut

        Women Staging a Labor Force Comeback (joint with Stacy 
        Anderson, Lauren Bauer, and Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP blog 
        post, March 26, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        women_staging_a_labor_force_comeback

        Has Job Growth Reached America's Struggling Places? (joint with 
        Patrick Liu, Ryan Nunn, and Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP 
        blog post, March 7, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        has_job_growth_reached_americas_strug
        gling_places

        How Fast Did the Economy Grow Last Year?, March 5, 2019, 
        Econofact (joint with Michael Klein), https://econofact.org/
        how-fast-did-the-economy-grow-last-year

        An Interactive Exploration of the Geography of Prosperity 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn and Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP blog 
        post, February 28, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        charts/exploring_the_geography_of_prosperity

        How Racial and Regional Inequality Affect Economic Opportunity 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn and Stacy A. Anderson), Brookings and THP 
        blog post, February 15, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/how_racial_and_regional_in
        equality_affect_economic_outcomes

        Employment and Wage Gains Lifted Household Incomes in Late 2018 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP blog post, January 
        31, 2019, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        household_income_likely_continued_to_grow_as_
        employment_and_wage_gains_lift

        The Hamilton Project: A Year in Figures (joint with full THP 
        team), Brookings and THP blog post, December 17, 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        the_hamilton_project_a_year_in_figures

        Six Charts on the Immigrants Who Call the US Home (joint with 
        Kriston McIntosh and Ryan Nunn) (appeared in BBC News), 
        November 29, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46034400

        Get moving: Relocating can help boost workers' wages (joint 
        with Ryan Nunn) (appeared in The Hill), November 26, 2018, 
        https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/418216-get-moving-for-
        better-jobs-and-higher-wages-workers-must-relocate

        Americans Aren't Moving to Economic Opportunity (joint with 
        Ryan Nunn and Jana Parsons), Brookings and THP blog post 
        November 19, 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        americans_arent_moving_to_economic_opportu
        nity

        Health conditions keep many SNAP participants out of the labor 
        force (joint with Lauren Bauer), Brookings and THP blog post, 
        November 1, 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        health_conditions_keep_many_snap_participants
        _out_of_the_labor_force

        The Labor Market Is Booming, Why Aren't Your Wages? (joint with 
        Ryan Nunn) (appeared in The Hill), October 26, 2018, https://
        thehill.com/opinion/finance/412812-the-economy-is-booming-why-
        arent-your-wages

        Place-Based Policies for Shared Economic Growth (joint with 
        Kriston McIntosh and Ryan Nunn) (appeared in Real Clear 
        Markets), October 19, 2018, https://www.realclearmarkets.com/
        articles/2018/10/19/placed-based_policies_for_
        shared_economic_growth_103456.html

        If Real Wages Aren't Rising, How Is Household Income Going Up? 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP blog post, October 4, 
        2018 https://www.
        hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        if_real_wages_arent_rising_how_is_household_income
        _going_up

        The Places America's Rich and Poor Call Home (joint with 
        Kriston McIntosh and Ryan Nunn) (appeared in BBC News), October 
        2, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45602535

        Workers with Low Levels of Education Still Haven't Recovered 
        From the Recession (joint with Lauren Bauer), Brookings and THP 
        blog post, September 6, 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/employment_rate_gap_workers_
        with_low_levels_of_education_still_havent_recovered

        Supporting Start-ups With Better Management Practices (joint 
        with Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP blog post, August 14, 2018, 
        https://www.hamilton
        project.org/blog/
        supporting_start_ups_with_better_management_practices

        Why should NC reward big companies over entrepreneurs? (joint 
        with Aaron Chatterji), The News and Observer, August 3, 2018, 
        https://www.hamilton
        project.org/policy_responses/
        why_should_nc_reward_big_companies_over_entre
        preneurs

        The Recent Rebound in Prime-Age Labor Force Participation 
        (joint with Audrey Breitwieser and Ryan Nunn), Brookings and 
        THP blog post, August 2, 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/the_recent_rebound_in_prime_age_labor_
        force_participation

        San Francisco: Where a Six-Figure Salary Is ``Low Income'' 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn), appeared in BBC News, July 10, 2018, 
        https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44725026

        American markets need more competition and more new businesses 
        (joint with Ryan Nunn), The Brookings Institution, June 13, 
        2018, https://www.
        brookings.edu/articles/american-markets-need-more-competition-
        and-more-new-businesses/

        Independent Workers and the Modern Labor Market (joint with 
        Lauren Bauer and Ryan Nunn), Brookings and THP blog post, June 
        7, 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/
        independent_workers_and_the_modern_labor_
        market

        ``Why We Need to Help Kids Go to College Wherever They Want,'' 
        CNN Money (co-authored with Abigail Wozniak), April 2018, 
        https://money.cnn.com/2018/04/18/pf/college/college-relocation-
        policy-opinion/index.html

        ``Policy Actions That Would Revitalize Wage Growth,'' Real 
        Clear Markets (co-authored with Ryan Nunn), April 2018, https:/
        /www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2018/04/17/
        policy_actions_that_would_revitalize_wage_growth_103236.
        html

        ``How Women Are Still Left Behind in the Labor Market,'' 
        Brookings and THP blog post (co-authored with Ryan Nunn), April 
        2018, https://www.hamilton
        project.org/blog/
        how_women_are_still_left_behind_in_the_labor_market

        ``Making Sound Forecasts Is Essential for Budgets to Matter,'' 
        THP blog post, February 2018, https://www.hamiltonproject.org/
        blog/making_sound_forecasts
        _is_essential_for_budgets_to_matter

        ``The Average American Worker Did Not Get Much of a Raise Last 
        Year,'' THP blog post, January 2018, https://
        www.hamiltonproject.org/blog/the_average_
        american_worker_did_not_get_much_of_a_raise_last_year

        ``We Need More Women and Minorities in STEM Fields,'' Real 
        Clear Markets (co-authored with Becca Portman), January 2018, 
        https://www.
        realclearmarkets.com/articles/2018/01/09/
        we_need_more_women_and_
        minorities_in_stem_fields_103096.html

        ``Who are the poor Americans?'', BBC News, December 2017, 
        https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41930107

        ``Removing Barriers to Female Labor-Force Participation,'' Real 
        Clear Markets (co-authored with Ryan Nunn and Becca Portman), 
        November 2017, https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2017/
        11/01/removing_barriers_to_female_
        labor-force_participation_102960.html

        ``Why Wages Aren't Growing in America,'' Harvard Business 
        Review (co-
        authored with Ryan Nunn), October 2017, https://hbr.org/2017/
        10/why-wages-arent-growing-in-america

        ``We've Fixed the Jobs Gap, But People Still Aren't Working,'' 
        Real Clear Markets, August 2017, https://
        www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2017/08/30/
        weve_fixed_the_jobs_gap_but_people_still_arent_working_102846.ht
        ml

        ``The Decline in the Dollar,'' Econofact, June 2, 2017 (with 
        Michael Klein), https://econofact.org/the-decline-in-the-dollar

        ``US tariffs are an arbitrary and regressive tax,'' CEPR 
        VoxEU.org, January 12, 2017 (with Jason Furman and Kathryn 
        Russ), https://voxeu.org/article/us-tariffs-are-arbitrary-and-
        regressive-tax

        ``On Growth and Jobs, the White House Supports the Prime 
        Minister,'' op-ed in La Stampa, October 18, 2016 (with Wally 
        Adeyemo), https://obamawhite
        house.archives.gov/sites/default/files/page/files/
        20161017_shambaugh_op-ed_
        infrastructure_investment.pdf

        ``Fiscal policy remains critical for much of the world 
        economy,'' CEPR VoxEU.org, April 29, 2016 (with Jason Furman), 
        https://voxeu.org/article/fiscal-policy-remains-critical-much-
        world-economy

        ``Dilemma With the Financial Trilemma?'', CEPR VoxEU.org, 
        September 27, 2013 (with Michael Klein), https://voxeu.org/
        article/dilemma-financial-trilemma

        ``Review of Capital Controls and Capital Flows in Emerging 
        Markets,'' ed. Sebastian Edwards,'' Journal of Economic 
        Literature, December 2008, pp. 994-1000, https://www.jstor.org/
        stable/27647092

        ``Review of Regional Monetary Integration by Kenen and Meade,'' 
        Journal of International Economics, volume 76, issue 1, pages 
        133-135 (September 2008), https://www.sciencedirect.com/
        science/article/abs/pii/S0022199608000585

        ``Reserve accumulation and financial stability,'' CEPR 
        VoxEU.org, October 11, 2008 (with Maury Obstfeld and Alan 
        Taylor), https://voxeu.org/article/reserve-accumulation-and-
        financial-stability

        ``A Financial Perspective on Exchange Rates,'' CEPR VoxEU.org, 
        October 24, 2007 (with Philip Lane), https://voxeu.org/article/
        financial-perspective-exchange-rates

        Study Guide to Accompany International Economics: Theory and 
        Policy 8th edition, by Krugman and Obstfeld (Boston: Pearson 
        Education, 2008), co-authored with Linda S. Goldberg and 
        Michael W. Klein (no online version).

        ``Review of: Exchange Rate Regimes: Choices and consequences, 
        by Ghosh, Gulde, and Wolf,'' Journal of Economic Literature, 
        vol. 42, June 2004, https://www.aeaweb.org/issues/27

16.  Speeches (list all formal speeches and presentations (e.g., 
PowerPoint) you have delivered during the past 5 years which are on 
topics relevant to the position for which you have been nominated, 
including dates):

        Discussant: NBER Conference on The Rise of Global Supply 
        Chains, 12/10/21.

        Discussant: ``Governing Finance for Sustainable Prosperity,'' 
        IIEP event, 2/24/21 (no slides or formal remarks).

        Discussant: IIEP conference on the IMF April 2020 World 
        Economic Outlook, ``Discussion of Countering Future Recessions 
        in Advanced Economies,'' 6/11/20.

        Panelist: AEA Session, ``The Economics and Policy of Automatic 
        Stabilizers,'' January 2020 (no slides).

        Testimony, Joint Economic Committee hearing on Connecting More 
        People to Work, 11/20/19.

        Paper presentation: ``Education and unequal regional labor 
        market outcomes: The persistence of regional shocks and 
        employment responses to trade shocks,'' presented at the 
        Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Conference: Rethinking regional 
        responses to economic shocks, October 2019.

        Presenter, ``Place-Based Policies for Shared Economic Growth'' 
        at University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, ``Regional 
        Inequality and Shared Economic Growth,'' September 19, 2019.

        Testimony, U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Subcommittee on 
        Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, ``Examining 
        the Proposed ABAWD Rule and its Impact on Hunger and 
        Hardship,'' April 3, 2019.

        Discussion of IMF Integrated Policy Framework, IMF conference, 
        ``A Framework for IPF Analysis and Selected Case Studies,'' 
        February 2019.

        Panelist: The Future of the Global Economy: Integration or 
        Fragmentation--AEA Session, January 2019 (panel, no slides or 
        formal remarks).

        Discussion of IMF WEO ``Challenges for Monetary Policy in 
        Emerging Economies as Global Financial Conditions Normalize,'' 
        GW/IMF Conference on the WEO, 11-6-18.

        Panelist: The Next Recession (AEI event)--September 2018 (no 
        slides or formal remarks).

        Discussion of Bekaert and Mehl, IMF 18th Annual Research 
        Conference, November 2017.

        Discussant: ``Rethinking Fiscal Policy,'' October 2017.

        Presentation: ``What Will China's Financial Reckoning Look 
        Like?'' G2 at GW, October 2017.

        Discussant: NBER spring program meeting, March 2017.

        Speaker: WSJ Middle Market Network: ``The Economic Outlook,'' 
        May 2017 (no slides or formal remarks).

17.  Qualifications (state what, in your opinion, qualifies you to 
serve in the position to which you have been nominated):

        For the last 25 years, my core research area has been empirical 
        international macroeconomics--the study of exchange rates, 
        capital flows, and spillovers across economics. I have 
        published numerous articles in top journals as well as a book 
        at MIT Press on these questions. I am a Research Associate at 
        the National Bureau of Economic Research in International 
        Finance and Macroeconomics. I also have presented at major 
        conferences and central banks around the world, spent time as a 
        visitor at the IMF, and have taught international economics for 
        over 20 years. My experience creates a strong foundation to 
        address many of the fundamental policy questions faced by 
        Treasury's Office of International Affairs (IA).

        At the same time, my experience is not just theoretical. I 
        served two stints in the White House working on economic 
        policy. During my first year serving as the Senior Economist 
        for International Economics, I had the opportunity to work 
        closely with Treasury IA on a range of issues. I attended many 
        strategic and economic dialogue meetings with Chinese officials 
        and met with officials from a number of countries. While 
        serving in the White House, I represented the U.S. Government 
        at the OECD in discussions related to economic issues. These 
        experiences have prepared me well to serve in the role of Under 
        Secretary, where international economic diplomacy is one of the 
        many responsibilities. I also had the opportunity to work on a 
        wide range of international economic issues, ranging from trade 
        and development economics to international finance and climate, 
        preparing me for the broad range of issues covered by Treasury 
        IA.

        I also have significant experience working on U.S. economic 
        policy issues. As chief economist and then as a member at CEA 
        and as director of the Hamilton Project at Brookings, I have 
        covered a wide array of policy issues facing the United States, 
        ranging from economic and wage growth, to energy and climate 
        issues, to regional disparities and the impact of trade shocks. 
        Studying these issues has prepared me to carefully consider how 
        U.S. global leadership on a range of economic issues affects 
        the American economy, American households, and American 
        workers.

        In addition, I have gained valuable management and personnel 
        experience during my time as a member at CEA, director of the 
        Hamilton Project, and director of the Institute for 
        International Economic Policy that I believe will serve me 
        well, given the large number of personnel doing important work 
        at Treasury IA.

        Finally, my time at the Hamilton Project provided me many 
        opportunities to work with members of Congress and their staffs 
        on policy options facing Congress, including testifying in 
        front of Congress.

                   B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

 1.  Will you sever all connections (including participation in future 
benefit arrangements) with your present employers, business firms, 
associations, or organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? If 
not, provide details.

        I have executed an ethics agreement with the Department of the 
        Treasury, and I will abide by the terms of the agreement 
        throughout the duration of my government service. Upon 
        confirmation, I will take a leave of absence from my current 
        employer, George Washington University. I will receive no 
        benefits or pay for the duration of time in government service.

 2.  Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue 
outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service 
with the government? If so, provide details.

        No.

 3.  Has any person or entity made a commitment or agreement to employ 
your services in any capacity after you leave government service? If 
so, provide details.

        No.

 4.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, do you expect to serve out 
your full term or until the next presidential election, whichever is 
applicable? If not, explain.

        Yes.

                   C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 1.  Indicate any current and former investments, obligations, 
liabilities, or other personal relationships, including spousal or 
family employment, which could involve potential conflicts of interest 
in the position to which you have been nominated.

        None.

 2.  Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial 
transaction which you have had during the last 10 years (prior to the 
date of your nomination), whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, 
or acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a 
possible conflict of interest in the position to which you have been 
nominated.

        I will seek advice and comply with guidance from ethics counsel 
        on any conflicts of interest.

 3.  Describe any activity during the past 10 years (prior to the date 
of your nomination) in which you have engaged for the purpose of 
directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 
of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law 
or public policy. Activities performed as an employee of the Federal 
Government need not be listed.

        I have spoken with congressional staffs or members in an 
        advisory capacity, but I have not advocated for specific pieces 
        of legislation. During the COVID-19 crisis, I did publicly 
        advocate for fiscal policy responses to cushion the crisis 
        (including blog posts and a New York Times op-ed listed under 
        publications), but did not advocate for specific legislation.

 4.  Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, 
including any that are disclosed by your responses to the above items. 
(Provide the committee with two copies of any trust or other 
agreements.)

        Any potential conflict of interest will be resolved in 
        accordance with the terms of my ethics agreement, which was 
        developed in consultation with ethics officials at the 
        Department of the Treasury and the Office of Government Ethics. 
        I understand that my ethics agreement has been provided to the 
        committee. I am not aware of any potential conflict.

 5.  Two copies of written opinions should be provided directly to the 
committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to 
which you have been nominated and by the Office of Government Ethics 
concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal impediments to 
your serving in this position.

        I understand that my ethics agreement has been provided to the 
        committee along with the accompanying transmittal documents.

                       D. LEGAL AND OTHER MATTERS

 1.  Have you ever been the subject of a complaint or been 
investigated, disciplined, or otherwise cited for a breach of ethics 
for unprofessional conduct before any court, administrative agency 
(e.g., an Inspector General's office), professional association, 
disciplinary committee, or other ethics enforcement entity at any time? 
Have you ever been interviewed regarding your own conduct as part of 
any such inquiry or investigation? If so, provide details, regardless 
of the outcome.

        No.

 2.  Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any 
Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority for a violation of 
any Federal, State, county, or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, 
other than a minor traffic offense? Have you ever been interviewed 
regarding your own conduct as part of any such inquiry or 
investigation? If so, provide details.

        No.

 3.  Have you ever been involved as a party in interest in any 
administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, provide 
details.

        No.

 4.  Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo 
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic 
offense? If so, provide details.

        No.

 5.  Please advise the committee of any additional information, 
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be considered in 
connection with your nomination.

        None.

                     E. TESTIFYING BEFORE CONGRESS

 1.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, are you willing to appear and 
testify before any duly constituted committee of the Congress on such 
occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so?

        Yes.

 2.  If you are confirmed by the Senate, are you willing to provide 
such information as is requested by such committees?

        Yes.

                                 ______
                                 
   Questions Submitted for the Record to Jay Curtis Shambaugh, Ph.D.
               Questions Submitted by Hon. Chuck Grassley
    Question. One of the main things I hear from Iowans is their 
concerns about inflation. This time last year, you repeatedly argued 
that inflation worries may be overstated. However, as I'm sure you 
know, the United States is now seeing the highest rate in decades. How 
much do you believe government spending has contributed to the 
inflation we see today?

    Answer. A year ago I wrote about the technical issue of the danger 
of looking at 12-month changes in prices as opposed to monthly changes 
as it could be misleading given the unusual ``base effects'' stemming 
from the spring of 2020 disruptions in the economy.

    Inflation remains unacceptably high, and I understand that the 
Federal Reserve is taking actions to tackle inflation. I agree with the 
President that inflation should be the administration's top economic 
priority. In the near term, inflation is likely to remain quite high in 
the United States and most advanced economies due to supply chain 
challenges and the impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine, which has 
roiled global oil markets and pushed gasoline prices higher. Food and 
other non-
energy commodities are also being impacted and leading to higher prices 
for consumers in the United States and around the world.

    Question. I am very concerned about Putin's ongoing war against 
Ukraine. We must ensure that Ukraine has the aid it needs and that 
sanctions on Russia have a meaningful impact. That is why I introduced 
a bill earlier this year expanding the anti-money laundering 
whistleblower program to ensure that Russia is not able to evade 
sanctions and that whistleblowers are able to speak out against 
violations. If you are confirmed, what would you do to ensure that our 
sanctions on Russia have real bite?

    Answer. I condemn in the harshest terms Russia's brutal, unprovoked 
invasion of Ukraine. The United States stands with the Ukrainian 
Government and the Ukrainian people. Putin's war is an attack on the 
sovereignty of a democratic state, has unleashed unrelenting violence 
and war crimes committed by Russia, has created one of the largest 
humanitarian crises, and has fundamentally disrupted the economy in 
Ukraine and in countries around the world. Russia's invasion also 
represents an assault on fundamental international rules and norms, 
threatening the underpinnings of the international economic order.

    President Biden has rallied allies and partners to impose swift and 
severe consequences for Russia's premeditated and unprovoked attack on 
Ukraine. The United States and more than 30 countries representing well 
over half the world's economy have implemented substantial sanctions 
and export controls on Russia. If confirmed, I will work with my 
colleagues in the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and 
with Congress to deprive President Putin of the economic resources he 
uses to pursue his needless war of choice.

    I look forward to learning more about your legislation to expand 
the anti-money laundering whistleblower program, if confirmed.

    Question. A paper published by the Regenerative Crisis 
Responsibility Committee (RCRM), of which you are a member, titled 
``The Myth of Carbon Offsets,'' states ``In the 2 years since the start 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus and relief spending worth trillions 
was unleashed by governments around the world. From the sheer size of 
the disruption and its worldwide reach, this crisis represented a 
unique opportunity for massive global investment towards the 
transformation to a clean economy, affording the chance to potentially 
alter the trajectory of planetary warming. In reality, much of the 
stimulus spending was directed toward a recovery that pumped money into 
polluting industries and energy sources like coal, oil and natural 
gas.''

    When the COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of large sections of 
the economy beginning in 2020, packages such as the CARES Act and other 
legislation were intended to keep businesses and the economy in general 
afloat through the crisis. The passage I've quoted from the RCRC paper 
seems to suggest that Congress should have picked winners and losers in 
the CARES Act and in other legislation based on policy preferences from 
a specific partisan interest group. In an editorial for The Washington 
Post in 2020, Rahm Emanuel takes credit for saying ``Never allow a good 
crisis to go to waste. It's an opportunity to do the things you once 
thought were impossible.''

    In this case, the RCRC seems to be lamenting that Congress let the 
COVID-19 crisis go to waste by not exploiting it to force businesses 
and industries unpopular with a certain political interest group to be 
forced out of business. Do you agree with this line of reasoning? Do 
you think Congress should have used the CARES Act and other legislation 
intended to provide COVID-19 relief to accomplish policy priorities 
other than keeping the American economy on life-support and preserving 
businesses and jobs?

    Answer. I was not an author of that paper and did not see it before 
it was published. The top fiscal priorities in the spring of 2020 were 
stopping the pandemic and preserving the economy.

    Question. You are listed as an author of the Regenerative Crisis 
Responsibility Committee (RCRC) paper ``The Case for Climate Conscious, 
Low Carbon Federal Procurement.'' In a section of the paper titled 
``Amending Contracts Currently Used in the Procurement Process'' the 
following passage appears. ``A good sample contract on which the 
Federal Government may model its revisions was made publicly available 
by cloud-based software company Salesforce. In its Sustainability 
Exhibit, Salesforce obligates the supplier to agree that `the 
environment is a key stakeholder' in the agreement and that `climate 
change is the greatest challenge humans have ever faced.' ''

    Do you think any entity involved in the procurement of goods or 
services to the Federal Government should be required to state that 
climate change is the greatest challenge humans have ever faced? Do you 
apply this standard to any entity, such as a bank, cable provider, or 
supermarket you deal with in your personal life?

    Answer. I do not think any entity involved in the procurement of 
goods or services to the Federal Government should be required to state 
that climate change is the greatest challenge humans have ever faced. 
That said, climate change is an existential threat to not only our 
environment, but also to the health of Americans and to our economy. A 
failure to address climate change would carry substantial and growing 
costs over time.

    If left unchecked, climate change will have further effects on 
global macroeconomic and financial stability. Treasury supports the 
work of international financial institutions (IFIs) on climate change 
mitigation and adaptation as well as energy security. If confirmed, I 
would continue Treasury's engagement with the IFIs so that they 
continue to focus on areas where the changing climate and policies that 
affect climate have macro-critical and development impacts, in line 
with IFIs' missions.

    Question. Do you believe climate change is the greatest challenge 
humans have ever faced? If so, please describe as an economist how you 
compare climate change to other challenges faced in human history, such 
as cancer and disease pandemics, past outbreaks of world war, and other 
cataclysms that have occurred throughout history.

    Answer. Please see my answer above.

                                 ______
                                 
                 Questions Submitted by Hon. Todd Young
    Question. What is your view on the effectiveness of newly allocated 
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in supporting financial stability and 
liquidity around the world?

    Answer. The 2021 SDR allocation played a critical role in providing 
needed financial stability and liquidity to the global economy during 
the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 allocation also provided emerging 
market and developing countries useful buffers as they deal with the 
spillovers stemming from Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine.

    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure that 
SDRs do not provide a lifeline to dictators?

    Answer. I agree that SDRs should not be used to benefit bad actors, 
and I take this concern seriously. I strongly support ongoing U.S. 
efforts to prevent governments whose policies we oppose, like Iran, 
Russia, and Belarus, from receiving any benefit from their SDRs. If 
confirmed, I will continue working with our partners to prevent these 
bad actors from benefitting from their SDRs, including by limiting 
their ability to exchange SDRs for hard currency.

    Question. If confirmed, what would be your approach in conducting 
oversight into SDR allocations and SDR sales and purchases?

    Answer. I understand that as part of the SDR allocation, Treasury 
successfully pressed IMF staff to enhance the details it reports on 
members' SDR holdings and transactions, to publish a note on best 
practices for SDR use, and to publish members' SDR holdings on a 
monthly and quarterly basis, as well as an annual summary update on SDR 
transactions. In addition, I understand that the IMF has committed to 
undertaking an ex-post report on members' use of SDRs, which it will 
publish 2 years after the allocation. IMF country teams also regularly 
report on their members' use of SDRs in their surveillance and during 
reviews of IMF financing programs. If confirmed, I will strongly 
support Treasury's efforts to encourage these oversight tools and will 
look for further opportunities to increase the transparency around SDR 
use.

    Question. Do you support efforts to redirect or ``recycle'' SDRs 
held by the United States and other wealthy countries towards IMF 
lending programs for poorer countries?

    Answer. Some donor countries are lending their SDRs to help enable 
the IMF's support for low-income and vulnerable countries, including 
through the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust and (PRGT) the newly 
approved Resiliency and Sustainability Trust (RST). Other countries are 
supporting these facilities by making loans and contributions in freely 
usable currencies.

    I support the administration's request for congressional 
authorization to lend to these IMF facilities to allow the United 
States to support low income and vulnerable countries as they deal with 
macroeconomic crises and risks from pandemics and climate change. This 
need is particularly critical now, as many countries deal with 
spillovers from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, 
particularly through global high energy and food prices.

    Question. Iran holds almost $7 billion in Special Drawing Rights at 
the IMF. If we lift sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran, would there 
be any constraints on Iran using its SDR funds for any purpose, 
including terrorism?

    Answer. Yes. U.S. sanctions on Iran remain in place, and the U.S. 
would not conduct any SDR transactions with Iran. The designation of 
the Central Bank of Iran presents one hurdle to the regime's ability to 
benefit from its SDR holdings but is not the sole hurdle. If confirmed, 
I would support Treasury's efforts to continue to engage with like-
minded countries and employ diplomatic pressure to work to prevent Iran 
from benefitting from an SDR exchange. The United States is committed 
to retaining all the necessary tools and authorities to target Iran's 
support for terrorism, as well as its other malign activities.

    Question. What is your assessment of the economic sustainability of 
the Ukrainian war? How do you view the ability of the Ukrainian 
government to sustain itself if the fighting persists?

    Answer. Russia's war against Ukraine has resulted in the tragic 
loss of life, including Russian attacks deliberately targeting 
civilians, and immense destruction of human and physical capital. 
According to external estimates, economic output in Ukraine will likely 
decline by as much as 45 percent this year. The Government of Ukraine 
also faces budget deficits of approximately $5 billion per month due to 
decreased revenues and constrained market access.

    Ukraine has undertaken emergency measures to help continue 
essential government functions. However, international economic 
assistance, including assistance provided by the United States, remains 
a critical source of support without which Ukraine would be less able 
to provide essential services to the people of Ukraine.

    Question. If confirmed, how would you approach requests for 
additional economic assistance for the government of Ukraine?

    Answer. Ukraine faces considerable economic uncertainty as a result 
of Putin's unjustified and unprovoked war. If confirmed, I would seek 
to work with my Treasury colleagues as well as the U.S. interagency to 
identify Ukraine's economic assistance needs as well as measures to 
safeguard their use. I would also seek to work with our allies and 
partners to encourage a fair burden sharing in meeting Ukraine's 
economic assistance needs.

    Question. Do you feel additional fiscal support such as sovereign 
loan guarantees are warranted for the government of Ukraine?

    Answer. Ukraine needs immediate economic assistance, and the United 
States is leading the way in providing economic support. Given the vast 
destruction of physical capital, Ukraine will also need considerable 
investment for its reconstruction. Ukraine benefits most from grants, 
which also slow the growth of its debt load.

    Question. What oversight or conditions are needed to ensure 
accountability for U.S. fiscal support for the Government of Ukraine?

    Answer. The United States has led other international donors by 
providing Ukraine approximately $4 billion in direct economic support 
since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine this February. I firmly 
believe that strong safeguards and transparency are essential elements 
of U.S. economic support and must be the cornerstone of that support. 
If confirmed, I will work with Congress and the U.S. interagency to 
uphold high standards of accountability and transparency on U.S. 
economic assistance funds.

    Question. From your perspective, why is China stalling in its 
commitments to negotiate in a responsible and multilateral fashion with 
indebted countries under the Common Framework?

    Answer. I cannot speak to China's motives, but if confirmed, I will 
strongly support Treasury's ongoing efforts to press China to 
participate fully and constructively in multilateral debt restructuring 
processes.

    Question. What are the risks of China squeezing its debtor 
countries, leaving the United States, MDBs, and other lenders left to 
bail out countries so they can pay back China?

    Answer. China's policy banks and other state-owned entities have 
developed unusually aggressive (among bilateral official creditors) 
legal instruments to guard themselves against credit risks and limit a 
borrower's ability to renegotiate or exit existing loans. Key features 
in Chinese lending contracts include the prevalent use of collateral 
arrangements, escrow accounts, repayment guarantees, and strong 
confidentiality clauses. If confirmed, I would support Treasury's 
strategy and efforts to limit the risk of China getting repaid at the 
expense of other creditors. If confirmed, I am also committed to 
continuing Treasury's efforts to improve debt transparency through the 
G7, G20, and the international financial institutions.

                                 ______
                                 
              Questions Submitted by Hon. Elizabeth Warren
    Question. When you appeared before the committee on July 12th, you 
discussed the section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports. The U.S. Trade 
Representative (USTR) imposed these tariffs in 2018 in response to 
China's unfair and discriminatory economic practices that steal U.S. 
intellectual property and unfairly rig the trade system against 
American businesses and workers.

    These tariffs continue to be ``a significant piece of leverage,'' 
according to USTR Katherine Tai,\1\ and important protection for U.S. 
workers and manufacturers that continue unfair competition from China 
and for consumers suffering from shortages and price increases due to 
broken, overseas supply chains.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Bloomberg, ``US Tariffs on China Give Negotiating Leverage: 
Trade Chief,'' Eric Martin, June 22, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/
news/articles/2022-06-22/us-must-find-new-tools-to-defend-against-
china-trade-chief-says.

    Do you agree that China has not ended the unfair trades practices 
implicated in USTR's section 301 investigation, or met all of its 
obligations under the 2020 U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade 
Agreement, along with failing to meet numerous basic labor and 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
environmental standards?

    Answer. China continues to engage in a range of unfair trade 
practices, which generate distortions in the U.S. economy and have 
harmed U.S. firms and workers. If confirmed, I look forward to working 
closely with USTR on pushing China to end these unfair practices and 
fulfill its existing trade obligations.

    Question. Do you agree that tariffs are an important trade policy 
tool, including for protecting American manufacturers and workers from 
unfair trade practices?

    Answer. Tariffs can be an important trade policy tool. If 
confirmed, I look forward to working with the interagency to review the 
tariffs so they can be adjusted in a way that would be more strategic 
and aligned with our economic priorities.

    Question. For too long, trade agreements have put giant 
corporations over workers and consumers, so it is powerfully important 
that the Biden administration follow through on its historic commitment 
to a trade policy.

    The Biden administration has announced its intent to negotiate new 
trade deals, including an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and 
Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP). The content of 
these potential trade deals remains unclear, but their proposed scope 
includes issues that would fall within your portfolio as Treasury's 
chief trade official, if confirmed, including international supply 
chains, investment, and financing. We need to secure our supply chains, 
but the best way to do that is to make critical products here in the 
United States, and any ``friendshoring'' mechanism must not undermine 
U.S. manufacturing.

    Do you agree that before the U.S. looks to support the movement of 
critical supply chains into countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, we 
should first look to invest in U.S. manufacturing?

    Answer. Shocks to the global economy from the pandemic and Russia's 
war of aggression in Ukraine have refocused global attention on the 
importance of economic resilience and addressing supply chain 
vulnerabilities. Making American supply chains more resilient can help 
resolve the sorts of bottlenecks that are raising prices for American 
consumers. Investments like those being made with the Bipartisan 
Infrastructure Law in our ports, airports, highways, waterways, and 
clean energy infrastructure, as well as those that Congress is 
currently considering in R&D and commercialization of new technologies, 
and in making more semiconductors in the United States, will help to 
promote U.S. manufacturing.

    I understand that the Biden administration is also focused on 
working with allies and partners to secure supplies of critical goods 
that we do not make in sufficient quantities at home, while ensuring 
that high standards for labor and environmental practices are upheld. 
If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress on these 
important issues facing our Nation.

    Question. Do you agree that any international supply chain 
negotiations that the U.S. engages in should also include mechanisms to 
ensure they do not undercut current or future U.S. manufacturing? If 
so, what mechanisms?

    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress and 
the other agencies in the administration to make American supply chains 
more resilient and to make sure that U.S. trade relationships will 
continue to make our economy more innovative, productive, and 
resilient, while ensuring that high standards for labor and 
environmental practices are upheld.

    Question. If confirmed as the Treasury Under Secretary for 
International Affairs, you would lead negotiations on trade rules for 
financial services. Giant financial institutions have had an outsize 
role in shaping our trade policy. From the agreement on China's 
accession to the WTO in 2001 to the 2020 U.S.-China agreement, when the 
U.S. trade negotiators--including from the Treasury Department--have 
negotiated with China, instead of insisting on strong labor and 
environmental protections, they worked hard to help Goldman Sachs make 
larger profits in China.

    Worse, banks have tried to write trade rules to tie financial 
regulators' hands. Under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the U.S. 
could have been required to permit foreign banks to supply new 
financial services that were not expressly forbidden by existing law, 
even if regulators wanted time to consider the risks behind a new 
product. With Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), a bank could 
even directly sue the U.S. Government for trying to regulate risky new 
financial products--not in U.S. court, but before a trade arbitration 
panel skewed towards industry.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\ Letter from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Edward J. Markey, 
and Tammy Baldwin to USTR Michael Froman, December 17, 2014, https://
www.warren.senate.gov/files/documents/TPP.pdf; Senator Elizabeth 
Warren, ``No Fast Track for Trade Deals that Weaken Dodd-Frank,'' May 
20, 2015, https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/videos/watch/sen-
elizabeth-warren-no-fast-track-for-trade-deals-that-weaken-dodd-frank; 
Public Citizen, ``Why Warren Is Right and Obama Is Wrong on Fast 
Track's Threat to Wall Street Reform,'' May 13, 2015, https://
citizen.typepad.com/eyesontrade/2015/05/why-warren-is-right-and-obama-
is-wrong-on-fast-tracks-threat-to-wall-street-reform.html.

    We are fortunately not in TPP, but bank lobbyists would like 
nothing more than for us to rejoin, or sign new, similar trade deals to 
lock in financial deregulation. And many TPP supporters hope that IPEF 
will port over TPP approaches, including on digital trade issues that 
impact not just big technology companies but also big banks that want 
to monetize consumer data without any regulatory restrictions to 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
protect consumers and workers.

    What are your priorities when it comes to trade and investment in 
financial services?

    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting Treasury's role 
in promoting trade and investment in financial services to facilitate 
greater economic growth, while preserving the regulatory and 
supervisory interests of U.S. financial regulators. If confirmed, I 
will work with Congress, relevant stakeholders, and U.S. financial 
regulators to better understand and advance our priorities in this 
sector.

    Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure that financial services 
and digital trade rules allow financial regulators to do their job and 
can protect American consumers and workers, instead of serve the 
interests of big banks?

    Answer. It is important that financial regulators are not 
constrained in their ability to do their jobs so that they can protect 
American consumers and workers. If confirmed, I look forward to working 
closely with financial regulators on these issues.

    Question. What is your position on TPP's approach to financial 
services and digital trade rules?

    Answer. I appreciate you raising your concerns about TPP financial 
services and digital trade rules. If confirmed, I look forward to 
working with USTR, financial regulators, and other stakeholders on 
financial services and digital trade issues.

    Question. Do you support the inclusion of ISDS in trade agreements, 
including its application to financial services trade rules and use by 
big banks?

    Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed by Treasury 
staff on this issue. I will also engage with financial regulators, 
members of Congress, and other relevant stakeholders on their views.

    Question. Russia's ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine has only 
worsened the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate disasters, and 
soaring energy and food prices in the world's poorest countries. Last 
year, the President Biden and Secretary Yellen supported the issuance 
of $650 billion in special drawing rights (SDRs) at the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF) to support developing countries in addressing the 
compounded effects of these multiple, simultaneous global crises. This 
issuance was sorely needed and hugely impactful: at least 99 developing 
countries made use of their SDR allocations in the first 6 months, and 
Ukraine has used its entire allocation.

    However, these crises show little sign of stopping, and developing 
countries are increasingly requesting additional SDR infusions to 
stabilize their currencies, shore up reserves, pay off debts, and 
finance health care, such as vaccinations, and other urgent needs. The 
U.S. is in a position to help--and in fact, has an economic incentive 
to do so: a strong global recovery would increase demand for American 
exports, creating jobs and bolstering businesses at home.

    Since the issuance in August 2021, circumstances for many 
developing countries have in fact worsened, due in large part to the 
Russian invasion of Ukraine. In April 2022, Secretary Yellen stressed 
the need to mobilize capital in support of developing countries but 
said that ``the response to date is just not to the scale that's 
needed. Experts put the funding needs in the trillions, and we've so 
far been working in billions.\3\ Thus, earlier this week I along with 
43 other members of Congress wrote to President Biden and Secretary 
Yellen urging them to support a new issuance of at least $650 billion 
in SDRs.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\ The Atlantic Council, ``Special address by US Treasury 
Secretary Janet L. Yellen,'' April 13, 2022, https://
www.atlanticcouncil.org/news/transcripts/transcript-us-treasury-
secretary-janet-yellen-on-the-next-steps-for-russia-sanctions-and-
friend-shoring-supply-chains/. 
    \4\ https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/07/13/
2022/icymi-warren-and-jayapal-lead-lawmakers-in-calling-for-biden-
administration-to-support-cost-free-aid-to-developing-world.

    The Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs 
oversees U.S. relations with the IMF, and thus, if confirmed, you would 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
have a key role to play in future decisions on SDRs.

    Do you agree--given the success of last year's issuance and the 
ongoing and intensifying global economic crisis--that the Treasury 
should be exploring another SDR issuance with urgency?

    Answer. My understanding is that Secretary Yellen does not support 
a new allocation of SDRs at this time, given current global liquidity 
and inflation conditions. Under the IMF's Articles of Agreement, new 
allocations of SDRs should respond to the ``long-term global need, as 
and when it arises, to supplement existing reserve assets in such 
manner as . . . will avoid economic stagnation and deflation as well as 
excess demand and inflation in the world.'' Treasury has requested 
congressional authorization to lend to the IMF for the Poverty 
Reduction and Growth Trust and the newly approved Resiliency and 
Sustainability Trust that would provide support for low-income and 
vulnerable countries. If confirmed, I will continue to closely monitor 
global conditions and work with Treasury's leadership to identify 
appropriate policy responses.

    Question. The UN Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy, and 
Finance recently argued that ``all available rapid disbursement 
mechanisms at international finance institutions must be reactivated, 
and a new emission of Special Drawing Rights must be pursued.''\5\ A 
report on the last issuance shows that SDRs' impact for developing 
countries provided more aid than other forms of international aid at 
the time.\6\ Do you agree with these experts' assessments?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \5\ UNGlobal Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy, and Finance, 
``Global impact of the war in Ukraine: Billions of people face the 
greatest cost-of-living crisis in a generation,'' June 8, 2022, https:/
/news.un.org/pages/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GCRG_2nd-Brief_Jun8_2022_
FINAL.pdf.
    \6\ Center for Economic and Policy Research, ``Special Drawing 
Rights: The Right Tool to Use to Respond to the Pandemic and Other 
Challenges,'' Kevin Cashman, Andres Arauz, and Lara Merlin, April 20, 
2022, https://cepr.net/report/special-drawing-rights-the-right-tool-to-
use/. 

    Answer. I am committed to using every appropriate tool to address 
the impact of the current crisis on vulnerable countries. One important 
way to do so would be to participate in funding the IMF's trust funds, 
the Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the Poverty Reduction and 
Growth Trust. These facilities will provide low-cost financial support 
to hard-hit countries alongside appropriate reforms to reduce their 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
vulnerabilities over the longer term.

    Question. A new SDR issuance by the IMF would inject $2.7 billion 
in reserves directly to Ukraine's Central Bank. Given the enormous 
economic needs of our Ukrainian partners, is there any other mechanism 
available to the Treasury, absent congressional authorization, to 
support Ukraine at this level of size and speed?

    Answer. I am committed to ensuring that the international financial 
institutions do everything possible to support Ukraine as it contends 
with the economic fallout of Russia's brutal invasion. The IMF has 
already provided $1.4 billion in emergency financing to Ukraine, and is 
also helping to channel donor resources to Ukraine through its 
administered account. SDR allocations are not a tool designed to 
support a single country or a group of countries, but are meant to help 
meet the long-term global need for international reserves under certain 
global financial conditions.

    The IMF can support Ukraine and other countries dealing with the 
negative spillovers from Putin's unprovoked and unjustified war through 
existing lending facilities, including by providing loans from the 
IMF's concessional Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust for the poorest 
countries and the new Resilience and Sustainability Trust, which could 
provide up to $1.4 billion to Ukraine.

                                 ______
                                 
                 Questions Submitted by Hon. Mike Crapo
                               inflation
    Question. As Under Secretary for International Affairs, you will 
advise on international economic issues, including monetary policy. A 
San Francisco Fed research paper \7\ from March 2022 found that core 
inflation, that is, inflation excluding the effect of volatile food and 
energy prices, rose faster in the United States than in other OECD 
countries, starting in 2021. The researchers attributed this to the 
direct fiscal transfer programs the U.S. implemented in response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, which began with the CARES Act, then spiked again 
with the passage of the partisan ARPA bill. The researchers concluded 
that inflation in the U.S. may have been 3 percentage points higher 
relative to in other developed economies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \7\ https://www.frbsf.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/el2022-07.pdf.

    On a related note, Jason Furman, former Chairman of the Council of 
Economic Advisers under President Obama, wrote recently \8\ in The Wall 
Street Journal that ``. . . underlying, demand-driven inflation is 
higher in the U.S. [than Europe]. . . . It would be a mistake for U.S. 
policy makers to overstate the degree to which inflation is global and 
neglect addressing the many U.S. specific causes.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \8\ https://www.wsj.com/articles/america-and-europe-have-different-
inflation-problems-energy-food-prices-cost-
11654541096?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1.

    And, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in testimony before the 
Senate Banking Committee on June 22nd, in addition to confirming that 
``inflation was high before, certainly before the war in Ukraine broke 
out,'' identified that ``If you look at comparable large advanced 
economies like ours, you'll see inflation rates that are quite similar 
to ours, in some cases higher, in some cases lower. Ours is more about 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
demand, I would say, and theirs is more about energy prices. . . .''

    How do you reconcile those findings and statements with President 
Biden's assertion that inflation in the U.S. has been caused by 
``corporate greed,'' ``Russia,'' or ``the supply chain'' and claims 
that the inflationary demand stimulus from the American Rescue Plan did 
not fuel inflation?

    Answer. The risk we faced early last year was that we would do too 
little, potentially scarring the economy. The American Rescue Plan is 
helping families and businesses, and supporting a historic economic 
recovery. Furthermore, any analyses point to a role for demand in U.S. 
inflation also leave plenty of room for important roles for supply 
chains and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

    Inflation remains unacceptably high, and I understand that the 
Federal Reserve is taking actions to tackle inflation. I agree with the 
President that inflation should be the administration's top economic 
priority. In the near term, inflation is likely to remain quite high in 
the United States and most advanced economies due to supply chain 
challenges and the impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine, which has 
roiled global oil markets and pushed gasoline prices higher. Food and 
other non-
energy commodities are also being impacted and leading to higher prices 
for consumers in the United States and around the world.
                   inflation and economic management
    Question. On July 13th, BLS released the CPI reading for June, \9\ 
reporting 9.1-percent inflation for the 12 months ended June 2022. This 
reading marked a 1.3-percent increase from May on a seasonally adjusted 
basis, and well above consensus estimates. The reading marked the 
largest increase since November 1981, and included the largest 12-month 
gain in energy prices since April 1980, the largest 12-month increase 
in food prices since February 1981, and the largest 12-month increase 
in shelter costs since February 1991.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \9\ https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm.

    Last year, the Penn Wharton Business Model \10\ estimated that the 
House version of the ``Build Back Better'' bill, H.R. 5376, would 
increase inflation by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points over the next 2 
years. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget \11\ cautioned, 
``[T]here is a risk the modest inflationary effect of Build Back Better 
would build on existing inflationary pressures, potentially de-
anchoring expectations and increasing the economic cost of bringing 
inflation back under control.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \10\ https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2021/12/17/build-
back-better-act-hr-5376-inflation.
    \11\ https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-will-build-back-better-mean-
inflation.

    You also said, in the Q&A at your hearing, ``. . . at the margin, 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
more demand is going to lead possibly to more inflation. . . .''

    In the current inflationary environment, with increasing risks of 
recession, how would increasing taxes and spending by $1 trillion or 
more provide for reduced inflation in the near term or reduced 
recession risks, even if tax hikes of $1 trillion or more, which would 
reduce economic activity, are coupled with spending, directly or 
through the tax code, that is less than $1 trillion, with, say, $500 
billion promised for deficit reduction and/or redirecting revenue to 
the Medicare trust fund?

    Answer. The Federal Reserve has primary responsibility for price 
stability, but Congress can take actions that lower price pressures by 
reducing the deficit and making supply-side investments in affordable 
housing and clean energy. Raising taxes by closing loopholes, 
equalizing tax treatment for multinational companies, and improving tax 
compliance tend not to be inflationary. The models and analysis cited 
above would suggest that deficit reducing fiscal policy actions (where 
revenues exceed new spending) would reduce inflation.
                         international taxation
    Question. The Biden administration continues to negotiate a 
sweeping change to the U.S. international taxation system without 
consulting Congress meaningfully or treating Congress as an equal 
partner. In perfunctory ``briefings'' to Congress, the administration 
continues to cite analysis of data supporting its negotiating positions 
which it refuses to share with the congressional committees of 
jurisdiction.

    If you are confirmed to the position to which you have been 
nominated, would you, if asked by members of Congress, provide any 
quantitative analysis, including simulations and projections of effects 
on U.S. business taxes, of the OECD international tax agreement that 
currently exist in the U.S. Treasury and any such analysis produced 
subsequent to your confirmation?

    Answer. Yes. I understand that details and estimates of Treasury's 
proposals implementing Pillar Two can be found in the Green Book.

    While I would defer to my colleagues in the Office of Tax Policy, I 
understand that once Treasury has sufficient information regarding the 
parameters of Pillar One and the Office of Tax Analysis thinks their 
model can capture the novel questions presented by the parameters, 
Treasury will be positioned to share such information.
                           economic research
    Question. In an Annual Committee on Government Relations (CGR) of 
the American Economic Association (AEA) for 2021, regarding ``issues,'' 
it is written that: ``The CGR discussed and is monitoring concern 
expressed in a letter from Senators Crapo and Grassley to the Senate 
Finance Committee that proposes a series of actions on IRS protection, 
including elimination of the Joint Statistical Research Program of the 
Statistics of Income Division of the IRS. This program, that allows 
limited access by collaborating economists to IRS tax microdata, has 
been a boom for economists' research on factors that affect earning 
power. If this concern blooms into proposed legislation, the CGR stands 
ready to comment.'' You were cited as a member of the AEA's CGR.

    In a separate AEA CGR document dated October 18, 2021, titled 
``Information Items for AEA Committee on Government Relations,'' item 
number 2 discussed a ``Letter from Senators Crapo and Grassley 
regarding alleged leaks of IRS data.'' The letter referred to was an 
October 4, 2021 letter from Senators Crapo and Grassley to the 
Honorable J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration. The AEA CGR document's item number 2 made a point that 
``Another worry is that increased concern about the confidentiality of 
IRS data could dampen or erase progress made this year through the 
Treasury Department's plan for actions to allow data synchronization.''

    While the concerns of users of confidential, legally protected 
personal tax data housed at the IRS is noted, increased concern about 
confidentiality of the data is warranted by the left-leaning ProPublica 
group's continuous and as yet unchallenged claims to be in possession 
of a ``trove'' of ``secret'' data obtained from IRS files.

    Please identify the letter claimed by the AEA's CGR, of which you 
were a member at the time of the claim, ``to the Senate Finance 
Committee'' calling for ``elimination of the Joint Statistical Research 
Program of the Statistics of Income Division of the IRS.''

    Answer. I believe the letter referenced is the one here,\12\ though 
I did not participate in any discussion of the letter as I had a 
conflict during the October 2021 meeting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \12\ https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/
crapo_grassley_letter_to_tigta.pdf.

    Question. Do you believe that ProPublica's belief, as stated by 
ProPublica's editor-in-chief in an August 6, 2021 ProPublica article, 
that ``the guiding light here ought to be the public interest; the 
public interest in what's happening is so powerful and so important 
that it was necessary to put some human faces on what are otherwise 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
sort of incomprehensible aggregate numbers''?

    Answer. An unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information in 
violation of the law would be illegal and must be taken very seriously. 
I am not personally familiar with all of the circumstances here but 
understand that the matter has been referred to the appropriate 
authorities.

    Question. If you are confirmed to the position to which you have 
been nominated, would you participate in ``the Treasury Department's 
plan for action to allow for data synchronization''?

    Answer. That is a matter for IRS and the Office of Tax Policy.
                    inflation and currency stability
    Question. One way to ensure against inflation is to enhance 
confidence in currencies.

    What will you do to promote stability of the U.S. dollar and other 
currencies in international forums such as the G7/G20?

    Answer. Treasury has worked with our international partners through 
the G7, G20 and the IMF to support market-determined exchange rates in 
the major economies. If confirmed, I will strive to hold the United 
States' major trading partners accountable to their commitments in 
these fora and will work to implement the President's promise to oppose 
any and all attempts by foreign countries to artificially manipulate 
currency values to gain an unfair advantage in trade.

    Question. Do you see, currently, any need for use of the Exchange 
Stabilization Fund for foreign exchange interventions?

    Answer. As Secretary Yellen said in May, the dollar's rise has been 
driven by fundamental factors including rising interest rates and 
``safe haven'' inflows arising from recent geopolitical events.

    Question. When was the last time the U.S. directly intervened in 
foreign exchange markets using the Exchange Stabilization Fund and 
generated significant and persistent changes in the foreign-exchange 
value of the dollar?

    Answer. The last time the U.S. directly intervened in foreign 
exchange markets using the Exchange Stabilization Fund was on March 18, 
2011, when it was used to sell half of $1 billion \13\ in Japanese yen 
in coordination with other G7 central banks in response to the yen's 
surge following the tsunami. In this period, the dollar's trade-
weighted exchange value depreciated 3.7 percent as measured by the 
Federal Reserve Board's major currencies index.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \13\ Historically, U.S. intervention has been jointly financed by 
both the Exchange Stabilization Fund and the Federal Reserve's System 
Open Market Account, and the financing has been equally shared between 
the two accounts.

                 Question Submitted by Hon. Rob Portman
                    tropical forest conservation act
    Question. I appreciate your willingness to serve again, and note 
that you taught a little bit at my alma mater, Dartmouth. If confirmed, 
you would be entering this role at a very challenging time during the 
world's economic recovery. As you know, I believe the multilateral 
development banks have played a crucial role for economic development. 
I also believe that these institutions can greatly incent behavior that 
would allow us to meet environmental and conservation goals through 
free market operations. When I was a member of the U.S. House of 
Representatives in the 1990s, I created the Tropical Forest 
Conservation Act, or TFCA, program. This is a debt-for-nature swap 
program where the U.S. works with eligible countries with tropical 
forests or coral reefs to relieve certain official debt owed to the 
U.S., while at the same time, generating funds to support tropical 
forest conservation activities. This program goes a long way in 
supporting conservation, but also helps improve the balance sheets of 
developing countries around the world. In fact, since the TFCA program 
was created, it has helped protect more than 67 million acres of 
tropical forests and sequestered more than 56 million metric tons of 
carbon. Unfortunately, there is limited concessional debt remaining 
that could be used to finance future agreements.

    How can the United States better leverage its positions on the IMF 
and World Bank, and through the DFC, to generate public-private 
partnerships to support conservation investments?

    Answer. Answer: I understand that Treasury continues to support the 
Tropic Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act and is ready to respond 
to requests from the countries that owe debt to the United States. The 
international financial institutions can also play a key role in 
working with governments to implement policies that facilitate private 
sector investment in areas with important public and environmental 
benefits, including conservation. I would defer to my DFC colleagues on 
the specific role the DFC can play in this area.

                                 ______
                                 
               Questions Submitted by Hon. John Barrasso
    Question. Inflation is currently at a 4-decade high. Shortly after 
the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021, you wrote, 
``There are reasons to think inflation will rise, most notably recent 
fiscal and monetary policy stimulus. There are more reasons to think it 
will not likely get out of control over the next year.''

    The June 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers showed inflation 
rose 9.1 percent year-over-year, the highest since 1981.

    With the benefit of hindsight, what is your assessment of the 
inflationary impact of the American Rescue Plan Act?

    Answer. The risk we faced early last year was that we would do too 
little, potentially scarring the economy. The American Rescue Plan is 
helping families and businesses, and supporting a historic economic 
recovery.

    Inflation remains unacceptably high, and I understand that the 
Federal Reserve is taking actions to tackle inflation. I agree with the 
President that inflation should be the administration's top economic 
priority. In the near term, inflation is likely to remain quite high in 
the United States and most advanced economies due to supply chain 
challenges and the impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine, which has 
roiled global oil markets and pushed gasoline prices higher. Food and 
other non-
energy commodities are also being impacted and leading to higher prices 
for consumers in the United States and around the world.

    Question. The U.S. economy currently faces 40-year high inflation, 
a first quarter decline in GDP, and increasing odds of a recession and 
stagflation.

    As a professor of economics, would you say increasing taxes in the 
current economic environment is a responsible policy action?

    Answer. A modest tax increase that reduces the deficit would have 
little impact on economic growth or the labor market. The expiration of 
the Bush tax cuts for upper-income households in 2012 and tax increases 
in 1993 did not result in job losses or a weakening of the labor 
market.

                                 ______
                                 
               Questions Submitted by Hon. James Lankford
    Question. In response to questions from Senator Wyden, you 
acknowledged that the United States already has a global minimum tax, 
created through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The United States is 
currently the only country with such a minimum tax.

    Given that the U.S. is the only country with a global minimum tax, 
as well as the OECD's recent recognition that the timeline for 
enactment is shifting, do you hold the view that the United States 
should act first on this agreement?

    Answer. Last year over 130 countries agreed in principle to a 
sweeping overhaul of the global tax system. We are on the precipice of 
this generational achievement, and the United States is a world leader 
in efforts to stabilize the international tax system and make it 
fairer. If the United States were to act first, we would create 
pressure on the many others who have agreed in principle to this deal 
to conform their laws to Pillar Two.

    Question. Do you believe that doing so would threaten the 
competitiveness of U.S. businesses operating abroad?

    Answer. Please see my answer above. Pillar Two helps level the 
corporate tax playing field, which has been the single most frequently 
heard request of U.S. businesses operating abroad for a generation.

    Question. Congressional Republicans are not the only ones that have 
recently voiced concerns with the OECD agreement. Last month, Hungary 
too voiced concerns with the OECD product--in fact, Mr. Balazs Orban, a 
member of the Hungarian Parliament, stated in a Wall Street Journal op-
ed that ``adopting the European Commission's minimum-tax directive now 
would be a profound mistake.'' He continued to say that ``restricting 
competition among member states and adding an extra tax burden on the 
companies driving our economic growth is just asking for trouble.''

    Given the sustained and persistently high inflation that we are 
seeing here in the U.S., do you agree with Mr. Orban that now is a 
horrible time to raise taxes on our job creators?

    Answer. The Federal Reserve has primary responsibility for price 
stability, but Congress can take actions that lower price pressures by 
reducing the deficit and making supply-side investments in affordable 
housing and clean energy. Raising tax by closing loopholes, equalizing 
tax treatment for multinational companies, and improving tax compliance 
tend not to be inflationary.

    Question. How do you believe tax increases on businesses, which are 
undeniably felt by workers and consumers, would lessen our inflation 
crisis and provide relief to American families?

    Answer. Please see my answer above.

    Question. On July 8th, the Treasury Department announced that it 
was moving to terminate the 1979 tax treaty that we have with Hungary. 
As you know, Hungary just blocked the European Commission from moving 
forward with an EU-wide minimum tax, as outlined by the OECD agreement. 
Now, not only is the EU looking for ways to get around their unanimity 
requirement, the US also seems to be taking action to pressure Hungary 
as well.

    Do you believe that terminating a tax treaty unilaterally because 
another country has voiced valid, thoughtful concerns with the ongoing 
negotiations of an unrelated project is an unacceptable and 
inappropriate move by the U.S. Treasury Department?

    Answer. I understand that the United States Treasury Department has 
been articulating its concerns with the U.S.-Hungary tax treaty to 
Congress across administrations of both parties beginning with the 
administration of George W. Bush. In the last 10 years, the benefits of 
the bilateral tax treaty have also ceased being reciprocal--with a 
significant loss of potential revenues to the United States and little 
in return for U.S. business and investment in Hungary. Hungary made 
longstanding U.S. concerns with the 1979 tax treaty worse by blocking 
the EU Directive to implement a global minimum tax. Hungary's approach 
has also exacerbated its status as a treaty-shopping jurisdiction, 
further disadvantaging the United States.

    Question. Do you agree that the Treasury Department has a 
responsibility to make the U.S. Congress aware of the rationale behind 
termination of the treaty?

    Answer. I understand that officials in the Treasury and State 
Departments have provided the rationales behind this decision to 
Congress and congressional staff.

    Question. As mentioned during your nominations hearing, I am 
concerned that under the Pillar Two model rules, U.S. companies relying 
on congressionally enacted incentives in the tax code, such as 
nonrefundable tax credits, will be put at competitive disadvantage 
compared to their international counterparts because this agreement 
treats subsidies more favorably than nonrefundable tax credits, which 
permeate our tax code. Under this agreement, international companies 
receiving a check from their government will be better off than our 
U.S. companies.

    Are you concerned that the Pillar Two model rules create an 
advantage for countries that provide direct taxpayer subsidies?

    Answer. I understand that the distinction between refundable and 
non-refundable credits in Pillar Two of the OECD/G20 international tax 
agreement was initially negotiated in the prior administration and has 
been a matter of public record since October 2020, when it appeared in 
the Pillar Two blueprint. As negotiated by the prior administration, 
refundable tax credits are treated as income rather than a direct 
reduction in the taxpayer's effective tax rate. This general rule 
carries over into the recently released model rules and its commentary.

    Question. During your remarks, you said that you believed the OECD 
international tax agreement would stop a ``race to the bottom'' on tax 
rates. However, are you concerned that the rules' current treatment of 
credits would actually create a ``race to the bottom'' on subsidies?

    How is this consistent with the administration's stated effort to 
ensure that countries ``pay their fair share''?

    Answer. I understand that, as negotiated by the prior 
administration, the Pillar Two model rules follow financial accounting 
treatment for credits. Nonrefundable credits reduce tax expense, while 
refundable tax credits are treated as income, because they are more 
like a grant or subsidy from the perspective of both the taxpayer and 
the government. Pillar Two is a common approach to ensure a minimum 
level of tax is paid by multinational corporations wherever 
headquartered, and is not and has never been intended to prevent 
governments from incentivizing behavior through grants or subsidies.

    Question. To date, the Department has failed to provide adequate 
information to Congress regarding the ongoing OECD negotiations. There 
is a difference between after-the-fact briefings and good-faith 
consultation.

    Given that the implementation of any deal would require 
congressional action, can you commit to keeping Congress apprised of 
the ongoing negotiations underway at the OECD and engage with Congress 
for input on open issues in advance of making any decisions?

    Answer. I would defer to my colleagues in the Office of Tax Policy.

    Question. Should you be confirmed, can you commit to briefing the 
members of this committee as soon as possible on outstanding issues 
being discussed with respect to the OECD negotiations?

    Answer. I would defer to my colleagues in the Office of Tax Policy.

    Question. In late December, days before the end of the year, the 
Treasury Department released final regulations pertaining to foreign 
tax credits. These regulations were published in the Federal Register 
on January 4, 2022, and in a number of instances, are effective 
immediately, meaning these regulations are already impacting business 
decisions and financial statements. We've heard a number of concerns 
from taxpayers regarding these regulations, including their significant 
departure from precedent without any congressional direction, and the 
broad impact they will have on the creditability of certain taxes that 
have been creditable for decades under established case law.

    U.S. businesses have reached out to us concerned about the 
regulations' impact on their ability to compete and grow 
internationally, which would result in fewer jobs here in the U.S. In 
recent months, Treasury Department officials have acknowledged that 
there are significant issues with these regulations and that guidance 
is needed, stating that taxpayers ``want certainty'' and that ``they 
want to be able to rely'' on guidance. At the same time, Treasury 
officials recognize that guidance will take months, will be in proposed 
form, and will not address all issues that taxpayers are facing.

    Given the clear recognition by the Department that guidance is 
needed and forthcoming, can you commit to providing an update, to both 
Congress and publicly, on the status of this guidance and any related 
regulatory packages once confirmed?

    Answer. I would defer to my colleagues in the Office of Tax Policy.

    Question. In July of 2021, you said that you thought inflation 
would slow, and that ``I think 2021 will be above what the Fed had 
hoped, but 2022, it will start to slow down.'' That has clearly not 
been the case. Year-over-year inflation in the Consumer Price Index for 
All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 9.1 percent in the month of June. 
These increases are broad-based and persistent, as families continue to 
contend with increasing prices for homes, gasoline, and food. Former 
Obama administration officials Steven Rattner and Larry Summers warned 
that such a result was possible.

    In the words of Rattner, ``shoveling an unprecedented amount of 
spending into an economy already on the road to recovery would mean too 
much money chasing too few goods.'' As such, they have characterized 
the $1.9-trillion American Rescue Plan as ``the original sin'' 
(Rattner) and the ``least responsible'' economic policy in 40 years 
(Summers).

    Do you agree that over-stimulating the economy with an influx of 
$1.9 trillion unnecessary, untargeted dollars contributed to the 
economy's overheating and thus, the sky-rocketing inflation that we now 
face?

    Answer. The risk we faced early last year was that we would do too 
little, potentially scarring the economy. The American Rescue Plan is 
helping families and businesses, and supporting a historic economic 
recovery.

    Inflation remains unacceptably high, and I understand that the 
Federal Reserve is taking actions to tackle inflation. I agree with the 
President that inflation should be the administration's top economic 
priority. In the near term, inflation is likely to remain quite high in 
the United States and most advanced economies due to supply chain 
challenges and the impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine, which has 
roiled global oil markets and pushed gasoline prices higher. Food and 
other non-
energy commodities are also being impacted and leading to higher prices 
for consumers in the United States and around the world.

    Question. Many administration officials claim that to get a handle 
on inflation, Congress should pass the trillion-dollar ``Build Back 
Better'' bill and raise taxes.

    Do you believe it is prudent fiscal policy to increase taxes or 
engage in additional deficit spending at this time?

    Answer. The Federal Reserve has primary responsibility for price 
stability, but Congress can take actions that lower price pressures by 
reducing the deficit and making supply-side investments in affordable 
housing and clean energy. Raising tax by closing loopholes, equalizing 
tax treatment for multinational companies, and improving tax compliance 
tend not to be inflationary.

    Question. With runaway inflation, a first-quarter decline in GDP, 
and increasing odds of a recession, are you concerned that tax 
increases could risk killing jobs?

    Answer. Please see my answer above.

    Question. As we discussed during your confirmation hearing, a big 
part of your job description will be oversight over U.S. policy and 
strategy at Multilateral Development Banks and International Financial 
Institutions (IFIs) such as the International Monetary Fund, World 
Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank. A few questions on how you 
plan to approach that.

    What is your strategy to coordinate the efforts of U.S. executive 
directors at the IMF, World Bank and IDB are in alignment with our 
broader foreign policy agenda across all multilateral entities?

    Answer. If confirmed, I will work to guide and coordinate the 
efforts of U.S. executive directors at the IMF, World Bank, Inter-
American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development 
Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to 
continue to help advance key U.S. objectives. The international 
financial institutions play a crucial role in the global financial 
system, in a manner aligned with our values and high standards. They 
are essential partners in limiting the frequency and intensity of 
economic crises, helping countries to respond to crises, and building 
the conditions for longer-term stability, growth, and poverty 
reduction. I look forward to working with the U.S. executive directors 
at the international financial institutions in which the U.S. is a 
shareholder to continue to pursue these goals and to coordinate 
consistent and effective U.S. policy positions across the institutions.

    Question. Iran is the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism 
and continues to enrich uranium at above 60 percent. In June, Iran's 
oil exports surpassed 1 million barrels per day--80 percent of which 
goes to China. Last week, the administration announced sanctions on 15 
vessels and entities carrying Iranian oil to China nearly two months 
after the Senate passed by Motion to Instruct calling for that action 
to be taken.

    Do you believe the United States should oppose loans to Iran and 
other state sponsors of terrorism at the IMF and World Bank?

    Answer. I strongly support the International Financial Institutions 
Act's mandate to oppose assistance to countries that are designated as 
state sponsors of terrorism such as Iran, and if confirmed I will work 
vigorously to oppose assistance to such countries at the international 
financial institutions.

    Question. What are your plans to address Iran's malign behavior 
(including support for terrorism and nuclear proliferation) within your 
portfolio of responsibility?

    Answer. I condemn Iran's malign behavior, including its financial 
support for malign activities, and if confirmed, I would work with 
career staff and my colleagues in the Office of Terrorism and Financial 
Intelligence. For example, I strongly support the ongoing U.S. efforts 
to prevent countries whose policies we oppose, like Iran, Russia, and 
Belarus, from receiving any benefit from their SDRs. If confirmed, I 
will continue to work with like-minded countries to prevent them from 
doing so.

    Question. Reuters reported this week that Binance, the world's 
largest crypto trader, facilitated transactions with sanctioned 
entities and individuals from Iran.

    If confirmed, how will you work with allies to block platform 
access to users who are sanctioned, push back against efforts to 
circumvent U.S. sanctions, and build consensus with international 
partners on proper access to the financial system?

    Answer. I would defer to my colleagues in the Office of Terrorism 
and Financial Intelligence.

    Question. Lebanon is on the verge of becoming a failed state due to 
fiscal mismanagement and public corruption. The United States has been 
engaged in productive conversations with Lebanon at the IMF about a 
liquidity boost to stabilize its economy. I have proposed adopting an 
incremental, conditions-based approach to any IMF assistance to 
Lebanon.

    Before the U.S. supports any initial IMF assistance to Lebanon, 
would you agree that the Government of Lebanon must show that it is 
implementing needed reforms?

    Answer. Any IMF program with Lebanon would require deep and far-
reaching reforms, under a committed government.

    Question. Would you also agree that it is important to observe and 
confirm the Government of Lebanon's continued compliance with those 
reforms when evaluating additional assistance?

    Answer. Before supporting any assistance for the Government of 
Lebanon, including through the international financial institutions 
such as the IMF, I would want to see evidence of the Lebanese 
authorities' intent and ability to undertake the deep, systemic reforms 
necessary to begin to address their acute economic crisis.

    I understand that Treasury is currently working with other 
departments across the U.S. government to effectively deliver 
humanitarian aid through vetted third-party actors to the people of 
Lebanon.

    Question. China has increased its investments in Latin America as 
part of its Belt and Road Initiative.

    What is your strategy to utilize U.S. influence and leadership at 
the Inter-
American Development Bank to provide an alternative to China's 
predatory lending to our friends in Latin America?

    Answer. The United States is committed to promoting democratic 
governance and transparency, and supporting policy reform, growth, and 
sustainable and inclusive development throughout Latin America. I 
understand that Treasury has engaged vigorously with other shareholders 
and IDB management to secure IDB management's commitment to implement a 
set of priority reforms to improve the relevance and development impact 
of the IDB in the region. At the Summit of the Americas, President 
Biden also indicated openness to a possible increase for the private 
sector arm of the IDB--IDB Invest--to promote private sector-led growth 
in the region. If confirmed, I would work with career staff to evaluate 
and support proposals from IDB on these actions.

    The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) 
infrastructure initiative, launched by President Biden and his G7 
counterparts, is another way in which we are distinguishing ourselves 
from China's approach to development, including the Belt and Road 
Initiative. The PGII will help support high quality infrastructure 
projects that are consistent with debt sustainability and include 
social and environmental safeguards. It will also focus on partnerships 
that strengthen local capacity.

    Bolstering U.S. leadership in the multilateral system, including 
the IFIs, is important in this regard. This requires meeting our 
financial obligations to the institutions, putting in new resources 
when needed, and having confirmed Executive Directors.

    Question. The Abraham Accords were a historic achievement for peace 
in the Middle East. These groundbreaking normalization agreements 
between Israel and Arab states have opened the door to new 
possibilities for cooperation on trade and economic development.

    In the context of the IFIs, what role can the Abraham Accords play 
in multilateral development strategy? What are your plans to leverage 
the normalization agreements between Israel and Arab States to bolster 
cooperation with each other and the United States at the IMF and World 
Bank?

    Answer. The Abraham Accords provide an opportunity to enhance 
cooperation between Israel and Arab states that can provide benefits 
for all the participating countries. It is administration policy to 
promote development and cooperation between Israel, other Abraham 
Accords signatories, and their regional neighbors. If confirmed, I 
would aim to advance this policy. If confirmed, I look forward to 
working actively with all of the involved parties, including through 
our efforts at the international financial institutions where 
appropriate, to support the realization of the economic benefits of 
increased cooperation and security for their citizens, including 
through increased development assistance where appropriate.

                                 ______
                                 
            Questions Submitted by Hon. Robert P. Casey, Jr.
    Question. From PPE to computer chips, the pandemic has shined a 
light on just how vulnerable U.S. supply chains are. We have exported 
American expertise and know-how to countries like China, ceding our 
manufacturing power to foreign adversaries and hurting American 
families and our economy. We need to know how much we're relying on 
foreign adversaries to design and manufacture goods that are critical 
to our economic and national security interests.

    How does offshoring American expertise and know-how to places like 
China undermine U.S. national security and economic interests, while 
hurting American workers and industry?

    Answer. Shocks to the global economy from the pandemic and Russia's 
war of aggression in Ukraine have refocused global attention on the 
importance of economic resilience and addressing supply chain 
vulnerabilities. Making American supply chains more resilient can help 
resolve the sorts of bottlenecks that are raising prices for American 
consumers. Investments like those being made with the Bipartisan 
Infrastructure Law in our ports, airports, highways, waterways, and 
clean energy infrastructure, as well as those that Congress is 
currently considering in R&D and commercialization of new technologies, 
and in making more semiconductors in the United States, will help to 
promote U.S. manufacturing.

    I understand that the Biden-Harris administration is also focused 
on working with allies and partners to secure supplies of critical 
goods that we do not make in sufficient quantities at home, while 
ensuring that high standards for labor and environmental practices are 
upheld. If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress on these 
important issues facing our Nation.

    Question. For decades, our trade policy has failed to adequately 
promote the rights and economic interests of women. Very few of our 
trade agreements mention women at all. Even fewer have enforceable 
language in the agreement. The Biden administration has made historic 
commitments to advancing gender equity and implementing a worker-
centered trade policy. Through the National Strategy on Gender Equity 
and Equality, the Biden-Harris administration has set forth ambitious 
goals that will help level the playing field for women around the 
world.

    As the administration seeks to forge a new path with trade policy, 
such as with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Americas 
Partnership for Economic Prosperity, how will Treasury ensure that the 
rights and economic interests of women are promoted in the development 
and execution of our trade policy?

    Answer. In October 2021, the Biden-Harris administration released 
the first-ever United States Government strategy on gender equity and 
equality. While the United States Trade Representative has the lead on 
trade issues in the administration, if confirmed, I will work with 
Ambassador Tai, interagency colleagues, and Congress to promote 
policies that help women participate in and benefit from international 
trade.

    Question. The world is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis. Since 
2018, the number of people facing acute food insecurity has almost 
doubled from 113 million to 193 million, according to the World Food 
Programme. As global food prices remain at record-breaking levels, in 
part due to Putin's continued disruption of Ukrainian agriculture, 
rates of hunger will only continue to grow.

    In May 2022, International Financial Institutions (IFIs) released 
their ``IFI Action Plan to Address Food Insecurity,'' but the plan 
still needs to be implemented and much work will remain even after 
successful implementation. How will you ensure that the IFIs follow 
through on their action plan and support the financing, policy 
engagement, technical assistance and knowledge work necessary to 
address current levels of global food insecurity and lay the groundwork 
to eradicate hunger globally?

    Answer. I am very concerned about rising food insecurity and its 
impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people and economies around 
the world. The IFIs have an important role to play responding to the 
food security crisis by implementing the commitments made in the IFI 
Action Plan to Address Food Insecurity, as well as supporting 
investments to help countries develop more productive and resilient 
agriculture in the longer term. If confirmed, I will work with Congress 
to continue robust U.S. leadership in the IFIs and work with Treasury 
staff, as well as the Offices of the U.S. Executive Directors at the 
IFIs of which the United States is a shareholder, to press for urgent 
and quality progress on the IFIs' work to address rising food 
insecurity and underlying vulnerabilities in food systems.

    I am also committed to using every appropriate tool to address the 
impact of the current crisis on vulnerable countries. One important way 
to do so would be to participate in funding the IMF's trust funds, the 
Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the Poverty Reduction and 
Growth Trust. These facilities will provide low-cost macroeconomic 
support to hard-hit countries alongside appropriate reforms to help 
them maintain economic stability while responding to shocks and 
reducing their vulnerabilities over the longer term.

                                 ______
                                 
                 Prepared Statement of Hon. Ron Wyden, 
                       a U.S. Senator From Oregon
    The Finance Committee meets this morning to discuss two key 
nominations for important roles dealing with economic and health 
policy.

    First up, Dr. Rebecca Haffajee is nominated to serve as the 
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of 
Health and Human Services. This job is right at the center of the 
Department's efforts to tackle the biggest health and family policy 
challenges, leading on strategy, coordination, and research.

    For example, one of those big challenges is also a top priority for 
us here on the Finance Committee: improving mental health care in 
America. The lack of affordable mental health care is an issue in every 
community in every State--the biggest cities and the smallest towns. It 
affects people of all backgrounds and all income levels.

    That means solving the mental health challenge requires lawmakers 
and HHS to bring together the best ideas, no matter where they come 
from: from different Federal agencies; from the States and local 
governments; from Democrats and Republicans here in Congress.

    It's a big help to that process when there's a confirmed Assistant 
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in place. It will also be a big 
help that Dr. Haffajee is highly qualified for this job, and she brings 
exactly the right experience to her nomination.

    In March 2021, she was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and she served as the acting 
Assistant Secretary for more than a year. She is a top expert and a 
widely published researcher on health policy who will help lead 
progress on improving mental health, as well as fighting the drug abuse 
epidemic, expanding health coverage, and lowering the cost of 
prescription drugs.

    Next up, Dr. Jay Shambaugh is nominated to serve as Under Secretary 
for International Affairs at the Treasury Department. The Treasury's 
Office of International Affairs deals with major global economic 
challenges: cracking down on currency manipulation; dealing with trade 
cheats; and strengthening our relationships with our economic allies, 
including coordinating and evaluating the effectiveness of sanctions on 
Russia. It all comes down to protecting and growing our economy and 
creating jobs so that more Americans have a chance to get ahead.

    Dr. Shambaugh, a professor of economics and international affairs 
at the George Washington University, previously served as a member of 
the White House Council of Economic Advisors and on the CEA staff as 
Chief Economist. He is also an author and expert on international 
economics.

    These are two highly qualified nominees. I want to thank them for 
joining the committee today, and for their willingness to serve in 
these challenging roles.

                             Communication

                              ----------                              


                          Legal Action Center

                       225 Varick St., 4th Floor

                           New York, NY 10014

                             T 212-243-1313

                             F 212-675-0286

                          https://www.lac.org/

July 20, 2022

The Honorable Ron Wyden             The Honorable Mike Crapo
Chairman                            Ranking Member
U.S. Senate                         U.S. Senate
Committee on Finance                Committee on Finance
Washington, DC 20510                Washington, DC 20510

RE: Legal Action Center support for Dr. Rebecca Haffajee's nomination 
to be the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Dear Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo:

The Legal Action Center (``LAC'') is the only non-profit law and policy 
organization in the United States whose sole mission is to fight 
discrimination against people with histories of addiction, HIV/AIDS or 
criminal records, and to advocate for sound public policies in these 
areas. As an organization that works to improve access to lifesaving 
substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health care, LAC strongly 
supports the nomination of Dr. Rebecca Haffajee to be the Assistant 
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS). We urge the Committee to advance Dr. 
Haffajee's nomination during tomorrow's Committee markup.

The United States continues to face a national crisis of addiction and 
overdose. Every day, more than 130 Americans die after overdosing on 
opioids--equivalent to one every 11 minutes. Dr. Haffajee is a top 
expert and a widely published researcher on health policy, including 
SUD and mental health policy. In her time leading research and 
evaluation for HHS, Dr. Haffajee has placed significant emphasis on 
addressing addiction and overdose and in developing a strong agenda on 
mental health focused on integration and underserved populations. In 
this time of increasing suicide and overdose deaths, and escalating 
mental health and substance use crises, it is critical for HHS to have 
leadership and expertise of Dr. Haffajee's caliber to use the research 
process to improve people's health and well-being by ensuring that 
evidence-based and other effective SUD and mental health interventions, 
services, medications, and supports are accessible.

Thank you for your leadership in improving coverage and access to SUD 
and mental health care. Dr. Haffajee is highly qualified to serve as 
the ASPE at HHS and we urge the Committee to endorse Dr. Haffajee's 
nomination during tomorrow's Committee markup.

Sincerely,

Paul N. Samuels
Director/President

                                   [all]