White House Strips CDC Global Warming Testimony

Latest Example of Trampling on Science

(Washington, DC)  Testimony prepared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was stripped of all public health concerns by the White House before it was submitted to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  Most notably, staff at the Office of Management and Budget removed the notation that “CDC considers climate change a serious public health concern.”

Significantly edited testimony was delivered by Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday, October 23.  Dr. Michael McCally, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility, also sat on a panel testifying before the full committee.

Dr. McCally pointed to the serious threats posed by global warming, including heat waves, exacerbated air pollution and the spread of pest and water borne diseases.  He noted that the nation’s public health will be impacted seriously by these and other unexpected consequences.

Dr. Gerberding’s original testimony reflected all of these points and more, but the final testimony allowed by the administration did not include any of the health impacts or analysis.  Only public health preparedness and an overview of CDC programs were included in the testimony submitted to the Senate panel.

“It appears the White House has denied a Congressional committee access to scientific information about health and global warming. This misuse of science and abuse of the legislative process is deplorable,” said Dr. McCally.