Today’s update feels a bit like the calm before the storm. Expect lots of news on Thursday and Friday. I’ll try to keep up as much as possible.
The big news today comes from the Senate’s HELP committee hearing about the recent events at the CDC. But there are also updates from the University of California, the Administration’s nominee for Surgeon General, and the re-direction of funds by the Department of Education.
Here we go…
The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing today about the recent events at the CDC. Former director Susan Monarez testified that she was fired after refusing to pre-approve recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
During her testimony, Dr. Monarez also stated that HHS Director RJK Jr. intends to change the pediatric vaccine schedule.
ACIP will be meeting September 18th and 19th (tomorrow and Friday) after being reconstituted earlier this year.
In federal budget news, the current plan on Republican side is a “clean” short term continuing resolution (i.e. an extension of existing appropriations at the same levels) which would extend through November 20th. A vote is expected on Friday.
A federal judge ruled last Friday that the Administration unlawfully fired thousands of federal workers earlier this year. Though the firings were illegal, the judge did not order that that the employees be reinstated, citing recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions
Things are continuing to develop at the University of California
UC students and faculty groups filed suit this week, accusing the Administration of waging a campaign to force the university system to conform to the president’s political agenda.
The LA Times is reporting the contents of a settlement proposal from the Administration to UCLA. The proposal is similar to what has been offered to other universities, though the fine is the largest by far - 1.2 billion dollars.
The President’s nomination for Surgeon General, Casey Means, filed required the ethics and financial paperwork earlier this week- meaning that her confirmation hearing can now be scheduled.
On Monday, the Department of Education announced a one time additional investment of $495 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). This comes a week after the department cancelled approximately $350 million in funds to minority serving institutions.
A research report that triggered several House panels to accuse the US National Academies of partisanship was released today. Its conclusion is that the scientific evidence for climate change is “beyond scientific dispute”.
The state of Texas has convened a pair of committees to examine “bias, discourse, and freedom of speech across Texas college campuses.” Which…
Over the weekend, the NY Times Magazine published a feature on how this year’s grant cuts have affected cancer research.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch The Candidate.
Today’s thumbnail was taken with Phoenix 200 with a fun little splitzer attachment.