Susan Monarez, PhD, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Debra Houry, MD, MPH, former CDC chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science, on Sept. 17 testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee about the circumstances surrounding their departures from the agency.
Monarez, who was removed from her position in August, and Houry, who stepped down shortly after, spoke about challenges related to leadership transitions and maintaining scientific independence within the agency, including interactions regarding vaccine recommendations developed by a CDC advisory committee.
Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) opened the hearing by raising questions about the HELP Committee’s role in oversight of senior public health appointments and the importance of ensuring continuity and stability in agency leadership. Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) voiced concern about the broader implications of the leadership changes and shifts in vaccine policy that may undermine public health.
On Sept. 12, the AAMC submitted letters to the Senate HELP Committee (PDF) and the House Energy & Commerce Committee (PDF) urging oversight of leadership changes at the CDC. During Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing earlier this year, Cassidy asked the Kennedy to clarify his views on vaccine safety and the role of science in public health decision-making [refer to Washington Highlights, Jan. 31].