Claude A. Allen Domestic Policy

UPDATE: March 12, President Briefed by Joint I E D Task Force - THE PRESIDENT: If the allegations are true, Claude Allen did not tell my Chief of Staff and legal counsel the truth, and that's deeply disappointing. If the allegations are true, something went wrong in Claude Allen's life, and that is really sad. When I heard the story last night I was shocked. And my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment that -- if it's true -- that we were not fully informed. But it was also one -- shortly thereafter, I felt really sad for the Allen family.

UPDATE: March 11, 2006 Bush Shocked by Arrest of Former Adviser - WASHINGTON - President Bush on Saturday said he was shocked to learn that his former domestic policy adviser was charged with theft for allegedly receiving phony refunds at department stores. "I was shocked and my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment — if it's true — that we were not fully informed,"

UPDATE: March 10, 2006 Former White House Adviser Arrested - COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A former White House adviser and Bush administration nominee to the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has been arrested and charged with theft for receiving phony refunds at department stores.

UPDATE: February 9, 2006 President Thanks Domestic Policy Advisor Claude Allen for Service - Claude Allen has been a trusted advisor since 2001. As Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, he worked hard to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. During the past year, he has served as my top domestic policy advisor at the White House and has helped develop policies that will strengthen our Nation's families, schools, and communities.
Personnel Announcement

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to name Claude A. Allen Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy. He will fill the position held by Margaret Spellings.

Claude A. Allen

"Claude Allen has been a valuable member of my Administration since 2001, helping to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for those in need. I look forward to his continued service in this new role as my domestic policy advisor," stated President Bush.

Mr. Allen currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. He previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the State of Virginia and served in the Virginia Attorney General's Office. He was an associate at Baker & Botts in Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 1995 and served as a professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1985 to 1987. Mr. Allen is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and Duke University Law School.

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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 5, 2005

Biography of Claude A. Allen

Claude A. Allen was confirmed by the Senate as the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services on May 26, 2001.

As Deputy Secretary, Allen works closely with the Secretary on all major policy and management issues, and he serves as the department's chief operating officer.

Prior to joining HHS, Allen was Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, leading 13 agencies and 15,000 employees. Allen led Governor Gilmore's initiative for Virginia's new Patients Bill of Rights passed in 1999, allowing patient appeals for adverse coverage decisions made by health plans, and direct access to physician specialists. Allen also spearheaded Virginia's welfare reform initiative and provided leadership to overhaul the state's mental health institutions and community services. Additionally, Allen was responsible for implementing the Governor's private health insurance program for children and families, offering lower-cost coverage options to thousands of uninsured Virginians.

Before joining the Gilmore administration, Allen was Counsel to the Attorney General, and later, Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Litigation Division in the Office of the Attorney General, Virginia. He reported directly to then-Attorney General Gilmore on legal, legislative, and policy matters, including all health, education and welfare issues. Before joining the Office of the Attorney General, Allen practiced law in Washington, D.C., specializing in government contracts, litigation, and legislative affairs.

Allen holds both a Juris Doctorate and a Masters of Law in International and Comparative Law from Duke University Law School. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning degrees in Political Science and Linguistics.

Allen is married to the former Jannese Mitchell and is father of Claude Alexander III, Lila-Cjoan, and Christian Isaiah.
Last revised: January 21, 2005
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services