Former CDC Director Testifies on Capitol Hill
Dr. Susan Monarez, the former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), delivered a stark warning to senators on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, regarding the potential public health dangers posed by the vaccine policies of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Monarez, who served a brief 29-day tenure before her dismissal, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in Washington, D.C., asserting that she was fired for upholding scientific integrity against political pressure.
Allegations of Political Interference and Dismissal
During her testimony, Monarez detailed the circumstances surrounding her abrupt departure from the CDC. She claimed that Secretary Kennedy directed her to 'commit in advance to approving every ACIP recommendation regardless of the scientific evidence' and to 'dismiss career officials responsible for vaccine policy without cause.' Monarez stated she refused these directives, citing her commitment to scientific integrity, and was subsequently informed by Kennedy that he had already spoken with the White House about her removal. She explicitly stated, 'I was fired for holding the line on scientific integrity.' Monarez's testimony was supported by Dr. Debra Houry, the former CDC Chief Medical Officer, who resigned in protest following Monarez's firing and testified alongside her.
RFK Jr.'s Stance on Vaccines Under Scrutiny
Secretary Kennedy, a figure with a documented history of skepticism regarding vaccines, has faced scrutiny over his views. While he stated during his January 2025 confirmation hearings that he is 'not anti-vaccine' but 'pro-safety,' and that his children are vaccinated, critics point to his past actions and statements. Kennedy has been accused of spreading misinformation, including debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, and questioning the safety and efficacy of childhood immunizations. Monarez alleged that Kennedy expressed profound disdain for CDC employees, reportedly calling the agency the 'most corrupt federal agency in the world' and accusing its staff of 'killing children.' Furthermore, Monarez testified that Kennedy told her he was in daily communication with the President about altering the childhood vaccine schedule.
Concerns for Public Health and Preventable Diseases
Monarez conveyed her 'worst fear' to the Senate committee: that she would be in a position of approving policies that would 'reduce access of life-saving vaccines to children and others who need them.' She warned that the current trajectory under Secretary Kennedy's leadership could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. 'I believe preventable diseases will return, and I believe we will have our children harmed by things they do not need to be harmed by,' Monarez stated, specifically mentioning diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Her testimony highlighted concerns that Kennedy's administration is undermining vaccine science and replacing scientific expertise with political appointees on advisory panels, potentially jeopardizing the nation's public health infrastructure.
6 Comments
KittyKat
The thought of preventable diseases returning is horrifying. We must listen to experts.
Katchuka
It's vital to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy, but undermining established public health institutions with unsubstantiated claims risks a dangerous erosion of trust. We need transparency without fear-mongering.
KittyKat
While Monarez raises valid public health concerns, her short tenure and the political climate make it hard to discern pure scientific integrity from political power plays. Both sides need to prioritize evidence over rhetoric.
Africa
RFK Jr. is right to question the CDC. They've lost public trust.
Comandante
On one hand, political interference in science is alarming and must be resisted. On the other, the public has a right to demand accountability from health agencies, though doing so responsibly is paramount to avoid a health crisis.
Donatello
The idea of altering childhood vaccine schedules is concerning given the historical success of these programs. However, a desire for more transparency from federal health agencies isn't inherently wrong, as long as it doesn't compromise public safety.