Congress is investigating allegations of political interference in the CDC’s recent extension of its ‘no-sail’ order.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, chair of the House subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, is seeking answers over reports of pressure from the White House to limit the no sail order.
The CDC wanted to extend the order to 15 February 2021 but the White House Task Force apparently intervened and allowed an extension only until 31 October for ‘political reasons.’
That is before the election and Florida, the center of the US cruise industry, is a crucial swing state.
CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield recommended the longer extension but was overruled, according to a senior federal health official.
The White House denied it was a politically motivated move.
Rep. Maloney has asked for additional documents relating to the meeting.
"Multiple press reports allege the CDC attempted to extend the no sail order but following White House involvement, the extension was shortened to the end of this month. These ships shouldn’t leave port until we know passengers and crew will be safe and the ships won’t again become global vectors of disease," he said.
"I am worried about impairments to the independence of the CDC’s science-based public health advice based on reported interference from the White House and political leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well as pressure from the cruise line industry," Maloney wrote in a letter to the CDC Director.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
