Sen. Chuck Grassley today made the following comment after meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary, Mike Leavitt. The Secretary has 30 days to consider the petition and forward his recommendation to Congress. The Secretary’s designation will take affect within 30 days unless Congress takes action to reverse or expedite the designation.
Here is Grassley’s comment.
"The Secretary indicated that because of travel he hasn’t had the opportunity yet to review the recommendation of the advisory board. There is a multi-step review within the bureaucracy that needs to be done. The Secretary understands the need for quick action on this matter and the importance to many Iowans. He provided me assurances that he will make a recommendation as quickly as possible."