From Seattletimes · · 1m 50s
Patty Murray Forms Public Health Working Group
Senator Murray launches group to fix CDC from political interference.
In brief
Senator Murray launches group to fix CDC from political interference. Senator Patty Murray creates a nonpartisan working group to draft legislation insulating the CDC from political pressure after CDC director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky criticized the agency's handling of…
Measles deaths in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania health officials reported five measles deaths, CDC lists two with an asterisk saying the number is subject to change.
“five measles deaths”
CDC director's call with Murray
Senator Patty Murray called CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz to ask why the agency refused to report several measles deaths in Pennsylvania.
“why the agency had refused to report several measles deaths”
Murray's concern about CDC
Murray said CDC leaders are acting out of fear rather than scientific information, which she worries undermines public health.
“acting out of fear, rather than acting out of scientific information”
Political interference in CDC
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired CDC's independent immunization committee after he became secretary, installing his own people.
“fired the entire committee after he became secretary”
Murray's new working group
Murray plans to form a nonpartisan 'Public Health for America Working Group' to draft legislation insulating the CDC from political pressure.
“Public Health for America Working Group”
Working group members
The group includes Dr. Helen Chu, a physician and epidemiologist at the University of Washington, and Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a former FDA official.
“Dr. Helen Chu, a physician and epidemiologist at the University of Washington”
Measles outbreak impact
Parents of newborns are worried as babies must be at least six months old to get vaccinated, and some Amish families are rethinking vaccination opposition.
“babies must be at least six months old to get vaccinated”
CDC's past mistakes
The CDC made dramatic public mistakes during the pandemic, including botched COVID-19 tests and shifting mask recommendations.
“botched COVID-19 tests and shifting mask recommendations”
Murray's focus on rebuilding
Murray says she sees a big vacuum in public health institutions and fears for her family as a mother.
“I see a big vacuum”
What happens next
If Democrats win majorities in the House or Senate next month, there will likely be investigations of Trump and Kennedy.
“investigations of Trump and Kennedy”
Here's the gist
Senator Patty Murray creates a nonpartisan working group to draft legislation insulating the CDC from political pressure after CDC director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky criticized the agency's handling of measles deaths.
