FIRST ON FOX: Republican senators are invoking a statute to force Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to present answers to a number of excellent inquiries about COVID-19’s origins and vaccine security.
“We write regarding the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) complete disregard for transparency, Congressional oversight, and the public’s right to know,” wrote Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., in a letter on Tuesday additionally signed by Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan.
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Sen. Ron Johnson, left, led a number of Republicans in invoking a statute requiring HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to reply to excellent inquiries. (Getty Images )
The lawmakers introduced they had been invoking a federal statute which requires govt businesses to “submit any information requested of it relating to any matter within the jurisdiction of the committee” when prompted by 5 members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC).
The letter states that the senators on HSGAC have written to HHS and its sub-agencies on a number of events with questions concerning the COVID-19 virus and pandemic and its origins.
“Rather than provide comprehensive and thorough responses to requests from members of this Committee, HHS has opted to either ignore letters from duly elected U.S. senators, or provide incomplete responses,” the senators mentioned.
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A nurse fills a syringe with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Eleven particular excellent requests are highlighted by Johnson, which he famous HHS ought to prioritize. Each relates to both the origins of the COVID-19 virus or the security of its vaccines. The excellent requests date again so far as 2020.
Responses to the prioritized requests are anticipated by the senators from Becerra by July 12.
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HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has not supplied full answers to the lawmakers, they are saying. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
“HHS’s indifference and lack of responsiveness threatens our ability to fulfill our Constitutional oversight responsibility,” the lawmakers claimed within the letter.
According to the Republicans, “HHS’s refusal to provide the requested records over the last three years clearly demonstrates a full-fledged cover-up.”
“What are you and your sub-agencies hiding?” they requested.
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Sen. Ron Johnson has pressed HHS repeatedly for data on vaccine security and COVID origins. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg by way of Getty Images)
The senators additionally warned HHS and Becerra towards non-compliance with the statutory request, saying, “HSGAC Republicans are taking note of HHS’s and your legal infractions and fully intend to hold you and your colleagues accountable using any means at our disposal.”
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The lawmakers are able to utilizing subpoena energy to compel Becerra to converse to their questions, requesting transcribed interviews, and even making an attempt to maintain him in contempt of Congress. However, with Democrats presently holding a majority within the Senate, it is unlikely {that a} contempt of Congress decision would cross.
HHS didn’t instantly present remark to Fox News Digital.
