U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, addressed concerns during a hearing on Tuesday regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “unscientific policies and confusing guidance” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chairman claimed that the Biden administration had attempted to hide CDC Director Rochelle Walensky’s testimony, using a subpoena threat to finally secure her appearance.
“The pandemic sent shockwaves through all aspects of American life – school, work, family, sports, and faith. This was a novel virus. We didn’t know everything. And we didn’t know how to react. Educated guesses were the best we could do in some cases,” said Wenstrup in his opening remarks.
However, he criticized the public health leadership for not rising to the occasion, stating, “Instead of being a calm and trusted voice of science and reason, the American people felt let down, often deceived and left damaged.”
Wenstrup also voiced concerns about the apparent reluctance of the Biden administration to let Director Walensky speak on these topics.
“Director Walensky, given how difficult it was to get you here today, with HHS often negotiating on your behalf, it appears that maybe the Biden Administration did not want you to speak regarding these topics,” he said.
The Chairman detailed the negotiation process, noting that the Subcommittee provided nearly 10 weeks’ notice for Walensky to prepare.
He also revealed that a subpoena threat was used to compel her attendance.
“It is, however, curious that the Biden Administration tried so hard to hide you from the American people,” the Ohio representative added.
Throughout the pandemic, the CDC made “divisive and confusing statements,” some of which were issued by Director Walensky herself.
Wenstrup pointed out a series of contradictory remarks, like one from February 3rd, 2021, where Walensky stated that data suggested “schools can safely reopen and that that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated,” a statement that was later contradicted by then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Wenstrup also raised questions about CDC’s interactions with political organizations, particularly the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT).
“At times, CDC seemingly accepted guidance from political organizations, instead of relying on the real time scientific data,” said Wenstrup.
He cited the testimony of Dr. Henry Walke, a CDC scientist, who described the AFT’s level of access to CDC as “uncommon.”
Wenstrup finished by highlighting the need for this review.
“It is the duty of this Select Subcommittee to ensure that we address failings, so we are not doomed to repeat them,” he concluded, promising a “strong, respectful, and on-topic, discussion.”
