Congress wants phone records between CDC’s Walensky and teachers’ union leader.
A House Panel Demands Phone Records in CDC-Teachers’ Union Investigation
A House panel is taking action to investigate potential political interference in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by demanding phone records between CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten. The House Coronavirus Pandemic Subcommittee, led by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), sent a letter to Walensky requesting these records in response to recent testimony.
Teachers’ Unions and Government Officials
During the pandemic, teachers’ unions played a significant role in advocating for school closures. As the CDC was developing guidelines for reopening schools, they were in contact with government officials, including Walensky. The House panel aims to review the communications between Walensky and Weingarten on both official and personal phones.
Obstruction and Demands for Transparency
The committee has already made two requests for additional documents and communications from the CDC. However, they criticize the Department of Health and Human Services for obstructing Congress by only providing documents that were already public through a Freedom of Information Act request. Wenstrup strongly condemns this obstruction and demands transparency.
“The Department’s obstruction will not be tolerated,” Wenstrup wrote.
Concerns of Parents and Government Watchdog
Parents across the country witnessed the negative impact of school closures on their children’s academic, physical, and social-emotional well-being. Michael Chamberlain, director of the government watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust, highlights the close coordination between federal agency leadership and teachers’ unions during the CDC’s development of reopening guidance. Chamberlain also raises concerns about potential ethics violations and the need for transparency regarding the extent of conversations between Weingarten and Walensky.
Deadline and Additional Interviews
Wenstrup has given the CDC until July 12 to respond with the requested communications records. The committee has also requested transcribed interviews with three CDC employees who may have additional knowledge about potential political interference at the agency.
President Joe Biden has chosen Mandy Cohen to replace Walensky as the new CDC director. The Washington Examiner has reached out to both the CDC and AFT for comment.
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