Continuing his call for a public hearing on the nomination of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Senator, Pat Roberts today said the hearing was a great illustration of why the vetting process by Senate committees plays a critical role in the review of individuals nominated to serve the public in an official capacity.

Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Roberts said the hearing would enable the Americans know about the person who would be responsible for cutting half a trillion dollars from Medicare and taking under control one-third of all healthcare spending in the country.

Notably, President Obama had earlier this month nominated Dr. Berwick through a recess appointment to avoid a public hearing on the latter’s controversial record.

“The American people deserve to hear how Dr. Berwick will implement the major changes called for in the so-called health care reform bill and how those changes impact their health care”, said the Senator, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Finance.

To that end, said Roberts, he reiterates his strong support for a committee hearing on Dr. Berwick’s appointment as soon as possible.