Tom Price's Delayed Ethical Epiphany

Rep. Tom Price, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, seems to understand the need to separate public service from private gain. To avoid conflicts of interest, Price has said he would divest from several dozen companies in which he is a shareholder within 90 days of being confirmed by the Senate. All public servants should make such a robust and transparent commitment to high ethical standards.

What’s curious is that Price has come to this realization so late in his public career. His nomination is currently embroiled in charges that he profited from his position in Congress. Last March, Price purchased shares in a medical device manufacturer. Within days, he introduced a bill that would benefit the company, Zimmer Biomet, by easing regulation.