Senator Blasts Possible CDC Nominee For ‘Pattern Of Morally Questionable Behavior’ As Past Research Controversy Resurfaces
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump voicing concerns about Dr. Robert Redfield, who is being vetted to lead the CDC. Redfield was investigated in 1994 for misrepresenting data to promote an AIDS vaccine, though the probe concluded that the errors did not constitute misconduct. Earlier in his career, Redfield also advocated for policies like mandatory patient testing for HIV and for segregating HIV-positive Army soldiers.
The Hill:
Top Senate Dem Raises Concerns Over Potential CDC Pick
A top-ranking Senate Democrat said she was concerned about the Trump administration’s reported choice to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sent a letter to President Trump, saying she was worried about Robert Redfield’s lack of public health experience, as well as his controversial past as an AIDS researcher. (Weixel, 3/20)
Kaiser Health News:
Research Misconduct Allegations Shadow Likely CDC Appointee
President Donald Trump’s likely pick to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is facing significant criticism because of a 20-year-old controversy over shoddy HIV research. The Army in 1994 acknowledged accuracy issues with HIV vaccine research led by Dr. Robert Redfield, who is expected to head the CDC, but concluded at the time that the data errors did not constitute misconduct. (Taylor, 3/20)
In other administration news —
NPR:
Religious Freedom Counts First In This HHS Civil Rights Division
When Roger Severino tells his story, discrimination is at its heart. "I did experience discrimination as a child. And that leaves a lasting impression," he tells me. Severino directs the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When I meet with him at his office in the shadow of the Capitol, he talks about his childhood as the son of Colombian immigrants growing up in Los Angeles. (Kodjak, 3/20)
