Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez, ousted just weeks into her tenure by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is testifying Wednesday before the Senate Health Committee.
She was ousted from her job last month after Kennedy pressured her to preapprove vaccine recommendations from a newly restructured advisory panel aligned with Kennedy’s views. Earlier this month, Kennedy testified before the Senate Finance Committee that he removed Monarez because she told him she wasn’t “trustworthy.”
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Monarez told Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., that Kennedy failed to give her a courtesy call after learning employees had been shot at.
Monarez had spent time in Atlanta in the aftermath of the shooting, advising on security and helping employees heal.
Alsobrooks said Kennedy is incompetent and dangerous.
Senators have spoken of their concerns about the erosion of trust at the CDC.
Some Republicans have focused on the agency’s guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the CDC was driven by politics.
Meanwhile, Democrats and some Republicans, such as Murkowski, have focused on the loss of scientific expertise within the agency during the Trump administration.
Throughout the hearing, some Republicans have been suggesting that Monarez retained her attorneys prior to her firing at the CDC.
"I think you might have an honesty issue here that we want to point out," said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.
Monarez said she was instructed by RFK Jr. to not speak directly to senators.
"Putting a gag order on a CDC director and directing her not to speak to those who have confirmed her and to whom she is responsive to oversight is a very serious matter," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she is most worried about the trust in public health institutions and the loss of scientific expertise at the CDC.
“Who does then provide the scientific expertise, this institutional memory that is needed to guide the agencies?” she said.
Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., questioned the hiring of "anti-Trump lawyers" Mark Zaid and Abbe Lowell, who she said may be "trying to embarrass the president."
Monarez declined to specifically name her attorney.
"Now, I'm wondering what else are you trying to hide?" Moody said.
Houry said if the CDC continues down the same path, the agency will not be prepared for pandemics, preventing chronic health diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., asked what keeps them up at night.
"The next outbreak, and I don't believe we'll be prepared," Monarez said.
"The future of CDC and public health in our country," Houry said.
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., criticized Monarez's decision to consult with attorney Mark Zaid, who he said is "notorious for his anti-Trump activity and involvement" and was "heavily involved in Trump's impeachment."
Monarez said she "was not aware of any of those details" and consulted with Zaid for his counsel "to help me to make sure I was understanding and aware of what transpired and what happens next."
Monarez said she never spoke with Zaid about his politics.
"That's astonishing," Banks said.
Monarez and Houry said they fear that the circulation of vaccine conspiracies could lead to increased violence against CDC officials and medical personnel.
Senate Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy cited Washington Post reporting on an Aug. 19 email to Monarez from the chief of staff at HHS that said, "I want to elevate the absolute need for political review of major policy decisions at CDC."
Kennedy's office, the chief of staff said, should have eyes on decisions and changes before they go into effect.