(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) questioned the President’s nominee to be the next Surgeon General, Dr. James Holsinger. Murray has been an outspoken advocate for ensuring that government health decisions are based on science, not political or ideological interference.
Today’s confirmation hearing came two days after three former Surgeons General testified about political interference. The most recent Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona, told a House committee that Bush Administration officials censored him, edited his speeches, and interfered with his ability to provide independent medial advice to the public.
"We heard past Surgeons General testify that they were censored, and their speeches were edited. These things are deeply troubling to all of us because we need someone in this office that can be independent and that Americans trust," Murray said.
Murray asked the nominee about how he would respond to instances of interference that previous Surgeons General have faced and questioned the nominee on his positions on preventing pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases.
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