Rep. Tom Price — Donald Trump’s pick to run HHS — needs to undergo a pair of Senate hearings before being confirmed. But he’s under attack from Democrats, after a series of stories linking Price’s stock trades to legislation that he’s written. As of Tuesday afternoon, Price’s initial hearing on Wednesday is still on. One reason why the timing matters: Trump has said that he won’t release his health reform plan until Price is confirmed. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), who co-authored the STOCK Act — which led to Price’s stock disclosures — first joins PULSE CHECK to talk about ethical issues in Congress, why she wants the SEC to investigate Price, and why she’s seeing a wave of support for Obamacare (starts at the 2:45 mark). Then after the break, Rodney Whitlock — who served as GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley’s health policy director — explains what to expect in a confirmation hearing, what lawmakers need to do to avoid Price’s fate, and where he thinks Republicans go from here (starts at 17:30). We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email [email protected].

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