In a recent press conference held by members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, lawmakers called into question the legitimacy of the appointment process of several key officials within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The officials under scrutiny include Secretary of United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and Director of NIAID Dr. Anthony Fauci, who, the committee argues, served unlawfully and without proper appointments, therefore leading to a breakdown of accountability within the agency.

The lawmakers assert that 14 NIH officials, including Dr. Fauci, held positions unlawfully, exercising power and authority they were not officially entitled to. This alleged misconduct included the approval of $26 billion in grants, a decision the lawmakers describe as unprecedented. They argue this calls into question the validity of every decision these officials made from December 2021 to June 2023.

One specific point of contention is Dr. Fauci’s award of a new grant to Equal Health Alliance. The lawmakers claim this was carried out while Dr. Fauci was serving unlawfully, further adding to the layers of controversy surrounding the agency’s actions.

What they find even more egregious is the alleged cover-up operation by the HHS. According to the lawmakers, the Administration has continuously misled the committee throughout the investigation. The committee has repeatedly requested documentation proving Secretary Becerra’s adherence to the Constitution and law in reappointing these 14 senior officials, only to be left waiting. They argue that this lack of transparency and refusal to provide requested documentation reflects a breakdown of accountability within the HHS. The committee emphasizes the need for responsible, effective, and lawful use of taxpayers’ money and stresses that the individuals making these decisions should be lawfully authorized to do so.

Adding to these grievances, lawmakers express their frustration with the Biden Administration for their alleged failure to follow rules and pay attention to the law. This perceived failure is not just about specific appointments but seen as indicative of a broader pattern within the administration.

As a remedy, the lawmakers call for more significant transparency, questioning the legal feasibility of retroactively appointing individuals to these roles. They demand answers to their questions to determine whether the failure to follow the reappointment process was due to willful misconduct or negligence.

The lawmakers conclude by highlighting the need for accountability and good government. They argue that it is not just about holding individuals to account, but ensuring the responsible and lawful use of taxpayer dollars. The lawmakers are seeking answers and clarity from Secretary Becerra and the HHS, reflecting a broader concern about the perceived arrogance and lack of accountability among agency secretaries and officials.

 

 

Floating Vimeo Video