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The White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez, PhD, on August 27 after she clashed with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy.
The impact: Dr. Monarez accused Kennedy of "weaponizing public health for political gain" and placing patient lives at risk after he pressured the CDC to limit access to vaccines.
- HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill was named interim CDC director. He was confirmed by the Senate in June.
- O'Neill previously served at the HHS during President George W. Bush’s administration.
What's next: Following news of Dr. Monarez' dismissal, Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), said such "high profile departures will require oversight"
- Sen. Cassidy is chair of the Senate HELP Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee, which has scheduled a hearing with Kennedy for Thursday.