A group of 28 Republican lawmakers, spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), have voiced strong opposition to President Biden's potential nomination of Dr. Mandy Cohen for CDC director. They argue that Dr. Cohen's track record demonstrates a tendency to prioritize political agendas over scientific evidence, citing her stance on mask mandates and other COVID-19 policies.
The lawmakers criticize Dr. Cohen's advocacy for mandatory masking in schools, regardless of vaccination status, and her reported threat of legal action against a North Carolina school district that opted against such mandates. They also highlight her public display of a Dr. Fauci-themed mask, contrasting it with scientific findings suggesting limited effectiveness of cloth masks in preventing COVID-19 transmission.
Furthermore, the Republicans raise concerns about Dr. Cohen's alleged reliance on the advice of other health officials without thorough consideration of scientific data, citing her reported mirroring of Massachusetts' decision to ease mask mandates. They also point to her past involvement with politically active groups, such as "Doctors for Obama" (later "Doctors for America"), and her support for policies like banning semi-automatic rifles and classifying climate change as a public health crisis.
Given these concerns, the lawmakers express doubt about Dr. Cohen's ability to lead the CDC impartially and urge President Biden to reconsider her potential appointment. While the CDC director position doesn't require Senate confirmation, the congressional representatives believe her perceived political leanings could erode public trust in the agency. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.
