Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement commending Sen. Judd Gregg for withdrawing his nomination for Commerce Secretary. In his announcement, Gregg cited his disagreement with the White House’s move to strip the Commerce Department of its census-taking authority and place the responsibility in the hands of White House staff.

“By turning down a position of great honor, Senator Gregg has made a bold statement for principle and responsibility today,” said Rep. Price. “The President’s politically charged move to place the nonpartisan census process in the hands of his staff contradicts every pledge of openness he made on the campaign trail. While the White House continues to break promises for politics, I commend Senator Gregg for acting with integrity. Senator Gregg has shown the American people the type of selfless leadership they should only hope to see from the White House.”