Former CDC Director to Testify Before Senate Amid Controversy Over Ouster
Susan Monarez, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is set to testify before the Senate next week regarding her dramatic downfall from the role last month. The hearing comes after a contentious exchange between Monarez and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who called her a liar during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.
According to sources, Monarez will provide an account of what led to her ouster, which she claims was due to her refusal to follow Kennedy's directives to fire senior CDC officials. This contradicts Kennedy's assertion that he fired her after questioning her trustworthiness and receiving a negative response.
During the Senate Finance Committee hearing last Thursday, Kennedy repeatedly called Monarez a liar and made the claim that he had asked her directly if she was trustworthy and received a "no" in response. However, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) questioned the timing of Kennedy's inquiry, suggesting that it would have been more prudent to ask before confirming her for the role.
Monarez later published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, corroborating independent reports that she was ousted due to her refusal to follow Kennedy's directives. "I was asked to fire senior CDC officials without cause or explanation," Monarez wrote. "I refused, and as a result, I was terminated."
The controversy surrounding Monarez's ouster has raised concerns about the impact on public health policy and the agency's ability to function effectively under Kennedy's leadership. Critics argue that Kennedy's actions are undermining the CDC's credibility and effectiveness.
Monarez's testimony is expected to shed more light on the events leading up to her departure from the CDC. The hearing will provide an opportunity for senators to question both Monarez and Kennedy about their roles in the controversy.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said that the agency would not comment on the specifics of Monarez's testimony but emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability within the department.
Monarez's appearance before the Senate comes as the CDC continues to face challenges in responding to public health crises under Kennedy's leadership. The hearing is scheduled for next week, with details yet to be announced.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
