E&C Democrats Seek Alleged Recording of Secretary Kennedy’s Conversations with Former CDC Director Monarez

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. today requesting copies of alleged recordings of conversations between Kennedy and former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, M.D. prior to her firing by the Trump Administration.

The request follows claims made during a Senate hearing with Kennedy earlier this month by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). During the hearing, Mullin claimed that a meeting between Kennedy and Monarez was “a recorded meeting.” Senator Mullin repeatedly attacked Dr. Monarez’s credibility during the hearing, claiming he knew “how that conversation went” and that Dr. Monarez was not being honest. After the hearing, Senator Mullin then backtracked in conversations with the press and stated that there was not a recording.

“Setting aside the credibility questions that arise from a Senator making such a claim only to later withdraw it, this raises new questions about what information is in the possession of [HHS] that would help Congress and the American people to better understand the rationale for the CDC Director’s termination,” the Ranking Members wrote in their letter to Kennedy. “For example, if, as you have claimed, Dr. Monarez did indeed tell you that she was not trustworthy such a recording would bolster what remains of your credibility. Congress is entitled to this information in order to carry out its oversight responsibilities.”

 As part of their oversight request, the Ranking Members requested copies of the recording if it exists, the identity of the individual who made any recording, any notes or documents detailing the meeting, the names of individuals who attended the meeting, as well as a copy of any policy that relates to recording of internal meetings.

Read the full letter HERE.

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