Congressman Sires Condemns Administration for Restricting Transparency and Limiting Coronavirus Officials’ Testimony

(Washington D.C.) – Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) slammed the Administration for restricting Dr. Anthony Fauci and other members of the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force, from appearing before Congress.
“Our country is in crisis. There are over one million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and my state, New Jersey continues to have the second highest case count in the country. The only way to beat this virus and stop its transmission is through a targeted, comprehensive effort based on factual information, scientific evidence, and a coordinated response,” said Congressman Sires. “However, an effective response is exceedingly difficult if the Administration continues to put partisan politics before the health and wellbeing of American citizens. By restricting those officials who are not only experts on this pandemic but leading the nation’s response efforts from speaking to Congress, it limits our ability to target funding where it is needed most. Congress has appropriated trillions of dollars in funding for things like economic stimulus programs, support for health care providers, increased testing, and the purchase of personal protective equipment. Understanding how this funding can have the greatest impact is key to reducing the timeframe in which our country continues to be devastated by COVID-19. For a successful response, transparency is essential – and the Administration would rather avoid congressional oversight than face the failures of its own choices.”