House Republicans quash CDC request for more authorities – JP
Outgoing CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, who is leaving at the end of this month, has asked Congress to give the CDC more authority to improve data reporting from states and medical providers as part of these bills.
Full committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said she’s concerned that expanded data authorities could hurt individuals’ privacy. She also accused the agency of exerting too much control over Americans’ daily lives during the pandemic.
Walensky launched an initiative to overhaul the agency earlier this year. Members on both sides of the aisle said that changes are sorely needed, but Democrats on the subcommittee were generally supportive of the agency’s efforts thus far.
Republicans, however, seemed to suggest the agency could not do the task on its own. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., said Congress needs to take a bigger role in the CDC’s reorganization and restructuring.
“This is not about villainizing the CDC. This is about accountability,” Guthrie said.