Daschle apologizes for tax errors

WASHINGTON — Tom Daschle said Monday that he's "deeply embarrassed and disappointed" about his failure to pay more than $120,000 in taxes.

President Barack Obama's pick to head the Health and Human Services Department apologized for his mistake in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee released Monday. Daschle is expected to answer questions from the panel later in the day in a closed session.

Daschle said he profoundly regrets the errors that the committee has had to deal with and he is willing to answer any questions.

The committee reported that Daschle recently filed amended tax returns to reflect $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest.

It remains to be seen whether the tax issue will stall or derail Daschle's nomination. But Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mon., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, issued a statement supporting Daschle's confirmation.

"I have applauded Senator Daschle's nomination to the post of HHS secretary, and my faith in his dedication and qualifications has only been bolstered in recent weeks by our numerous conversations about the pressing need for comprehensive health-care reform," Baucus said in the statement Monday. "The ability to advance meaningful health reform is my top priority in confirming a Secretary of Health and Human Services, and I remain convinced that Senator Daschle would be an invaluable and expert partner in this effort. I am eager to move forward together."