Effort Follows Disappointing COVID-19 Origins Declassification

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today continued their investigation into the Biden administration’s biosafety practices. The Chairs have called for increased scrutiny of federal laboratory biosafety protocols following the Biden administration’s lack of transparency in declassifying information related to the origins of COVID-19: 

KEY EXCERPT FROM THE LETTERS: 

“Biosafety of laboratory research has purportedly been prioritized by the administration. In a September 12, 2022, executive order, President Biden set forth the goal to ‘elevate biological risk management’ as part of a broader effort to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The order specifically noted that the administration’s efforts should include; providing for research and investment in applied biosafety and biosecurity innovation.’ 

“The Committee is interested in how biosafety practices are implemented and prioritized at key federal laboratories.” 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: 

The letter builds upon an April 27, 2023, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing titled "Biosafety and Risky Research: Examining if Science is Outpacing Policy and Safety.” 

CLICK HERE to read the letter to Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Acting Director Nirav Shah. 

CLICK HERE to read the letter to Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Christi Grimm. 

CLICK HERE to read the letter to the senior official performing the duties of Director of the National Institutes of Health, Lawrence Tabak.