Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation

The Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation
The Assistant Secretary for Legislation serves as principal advisor to the Secretary with respect to all aspects of the Department's legislative agenda and Congressional liaison activities.

Jim Esquea, Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Phone: 202-690-7627
Fax: 202-690-7380

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation for Discretionary Health Programs
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation for Discretionary Health Programs reports to the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and assists in the legislative agenda and liaison for discretionary health programs. This portfolio includes health-science-oriented operating divisions (the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Health Resources and Services Administration), health IT, private-sector health insurance, medical literacy and patient safety, and biodefense. The Office is responsible for the coordination of activities of Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and the Department with respect to the Congressional Budget Process, and assists the ASL in budget affairs of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation.

Jeremy Sharp, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Phone: 202-690-7450
Fax: 202-690-8425

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation for Mandatory Health Programs
The Deputy Assistant Secretary Legislation for Mandatory Health Programs reports to the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and assists in the legislative agenda and liaison for health services and health care financing operating divisions (Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and Indian Health Service).

Bridgett Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Phone: 202-690-7450
Fax: 202-690-8425

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation for Human Services
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation for Human Services reports to the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and assists in the legislative agenda and liaison for human services and income security policy. This portfolio includes the Administration for Children and Families; the Administration on Aging; and, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Doug Steiger, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Phone: 202-690-6311
Fax: 202-690-5750

Congressional Liaison Office (CLO)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Congressional Liaison Office reports to the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and assists in the legislative agenda and liaison for bioethics, faith-based, and special projects. The office maintains the Department's program grant notification system to Members of Congress (public access at: GrantsNet and TAGGS), and is responsible for notifying and coordinating with Congress regarding the Secretary's travel and event schedule. In addition, CLO provides staff support for the Assistant Secretary for Legislation coordinating responsibilities to the HHS regional offices, and coordinates the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation.

Fatima Cuevas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation

Phone: 202-690-6786
Fax: 202-690-6351

Office of Oversight and Investigations
This office reports to the Assistant Secretary for Legislation and has responsibility for all matters related to Congressional oversight and investigations, including those performed by the Government Accountability Office, and assists in the legislative agenda and liaison for special projects.

Kristine Blackwood, Deputy Director for Oversight and Investigations

Phone: 202-690-7627
Fax: 202-690-7380