Congress is alarmed by NIH’s silence on Fauci aide, threatens subpoena.
House Republicans Issue Final Warning to NIH Over Use of Private Emails
House Republicans have issued a stern warning to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding a top aide’s use of private emails to avoid scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, led by Chairman Brad Wenstrup, has threatened to use subpoena powers if the agency continues to ignore their requests for information.
The focus of the investigation is David Morens, a former senior adviser to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a key figure in COVID-19 policy. Morens allegedly used his personal email address to hide information about the origins of the virus from the public.
Wenstrup expressed frustration with the NIH’s lack of cooperation, stating, “Thus far, NIH has failed to produce a single document responding to our previous requests.” He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the alleged actions of a senior scientist to avoid transparency undermine the investigation into COVID-19 origins and the U.S. response to the pandemic.
Emails obtained by the Select Subcommittee reveal Morens’s preference for using his personal Gmail account to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. He assured his colleagues that he would delete anything he didn’t want to see in the media. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has initiated its own investigation into Morens’s record-keeping, with the NIH stating that no federal records have been prematurely destroyed.
While Democrats on the Subcommittee did not respond directly to Wenstrup’s letter, they acknowledged the problematic nature of Morens’s alleged activities. A spokesperson for the minority stated, “The willful evasion of public transparency requirements by any government official is unacceptable and a clear violation of the public’s trust.”
Republicans on the House Oversight and Energy and Commerce Committees have been intensifying their investigations into the origins of COVID-19. They have threatened to use subpoena powers against officials within the Department of Health and Human Services, including NIH Director Lawrence Tabak and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The investigations also involve the appointment of the new director of NIAID, Jeanne Marrazzo. Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has warned Becerra and Tabak that subpoena powers may be used if they fail to disclose information regarding Marrazzo’s appointment.
Transcribed interviews with Tabak, former NIH Director Francis Collins, and former NIAID Acting Director Hugh Auchincloss have been scheduled. Tabak’s office has until October 12 to provide all relevant documents and communications related to the NARA investigation.
What specific documents and information related to Mr. Morens’ communications are being requested by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic?
E the requested documents and information related to Mr. Morens’ communications. This is completely unacceptable and hinders our ability to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.”
The use of private emails by government officials has been a subject of concern in recent years, as it raises questions about transparency and accountability. In this case, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic is particularly interested in understanding the decision-making process behind the government’s response to the pandemic and whether any information was intentionally withheld from the public.
The NIH is a crucial agency in the fight against COVID-19, responsible for funding and conducting research to develop effective treatments and vaccines. Therefore, it is imperative that the agency maintains the highest standards of transparency and ensures that all pertinent information is made available to the public and Congress.
The allegations against Morens are serious and, if proven true, raise further concerns about the integrity of the COVID-19 response. The origins of the virus have been a subject of debate and investigation since the beginning of the pandemic, and any attempt to conceal information about its origins would be a disservice to the scientific community and the general public.
Chairman Brad Wenstrup and his subcommittee have made it clear that they are willing to use their subpoena powers if necessary to obtain the desired information from the NIH. Such a move highlights the seriousness with which the issue is being treated and the commitment of House Republicans to ensure transparency and accountability within the agency.
It is important to note that the use of private emails by government officials is not unique to this case or to a specific party. In recent years, there have been several high-profile instances of officials from both parties using private emails for official business, leading to public outcry and calls for increased oversight.
As the investigation into Morens’ use of private emails continues, it is crucial that Congress and the NIH work together to address any potential gaps in transparency and accountability. This includes implementing clear guidelines on the use of official and private communication channels, as well as ensuring that records are properly maintained and made available to the appropriate authorities when requested.
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of millions around the world, and it is crucial that the government agencies tasked with managing the crisis are held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The actions of the NIH and its officials are therefore of utmost importance, and any attempts to obstruct or withhold information must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
In the coming weeks and months, the investigation into the use of private emails by David Morens and the NIH will likely continue to unfold. House Republicans, led by Chairman Brad Wenstrup, have made it clear that they will not back down until all relevant information is brought to light. It is now up to the NIH to respond appropriately and ensure that transparency and accountability are upheld, as the American public deserves nothing less.
Only time will tell how this saga will unfold, but one thing is certain: the issue of private email use by government officials has once again come to the forefront, and the consequences of such actions will have far-reaching implications for transparency and trust in our democratic institutions.
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