WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today called for a bipartisan congressional investigation into the recent firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Susan Monarez by the Trump administration.

Sanders condemned what he called a “reckless” and “dangerous” decision, following reports that Monarez was removed at the request of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for refusing to support his anti-vaccine agenda. Sanders also highlighted the resignation of four senior CDC leaders, two of whom cited increasing political pressure to mislead the public as their reason for stepping down.

“We need leaders at the CDC and HHS who are committed to improving public health and have the courage to stand up for science, not officials who have a history of spreading bogus conspiracy theories and disinformation,” Sanders wrote.

Citing growing concern over the politicization of vaccine policy and a surge in preventable diseases, Sanders said Kennedy’s actions are undermining public trust in science and threatening lives both in the United States and around the world.

“In just six months, Secretary Kennedy has completely upended the process for reviewing and recommending vaccines for the public… He has unilaterally narrowed eligibility for COVID vaccines approved by the FDA, despite an ongoing surge in cases. He has spread misinformation about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines during the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years. He continues to spread misinformation about COVID vaccines. Now he is pushing out scientific leaders who refuse to act as a rubber stamp for his dangerous conspiracy theories and manipulate science,” Sanders continued.

Sanders urged HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to immediately convene a public hearing and compel Secretary Kennedy, Monarez and the recently resigned CDC leaders to testify.

“The American people should hear directly from Secretary Kennedy and Dr. Monarez and every member of our committee should be able to ask questions and get honest answers from them,” Sanders concluded.

Read the letter here.