After Grilling From TN Congressman, Health Secretary Says ‘Hold Me Accountable’ For HealthCare.Gov Problems

Rep. Blackburn has not explicitly said Secretary Sebelius should resign, though Blackburn has said she answer questions from Congress “before she leaves town.” Blackburn is vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Image: C-SPAN

Brentwood Congressman Marsha Blackburn wasted no time in grilling the Secretary of Health and Human Services today. Kathleen Sebelius testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee about problems with the HealthCare.gov website.

Most of the Republican lawmakers at today’s hearing started their questions by graciously thanking Secretary Sebelius for testifying. But Blackburn launched right in, saying hundreds of thousands nationwide are losing health insurance because of Obamacare.

The blistering pace continued for four and a half minutes. Blackburn ended by asking the secretary who at her agency is responsible for the launch of HealthCare.gov, which led to this exchange:

Blackburn: At that team, who is the individual…?

Sebelius: Michelle Snyder

Blackburn: Michelle Snyder is responsible for this debacle!

Sebelius: Well, excuse me Congresswoman, Michelle Snyder is not responsible for the debacle. Hold me accountable for the debacle. I’m responsible.

Several GOP lawmakers, including Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander and Congressman Steven Fincher, have called on Sebelius to resign.