Dr. Susan Monterrez (former CDC director) [also spelled Moneriz/Monteres in transcript]

He did not have any data or science to point to.

As a matter of fact, we got into an exchange where I had suggested that I would be open to changing childhood vaccine schedules if the evidence or science were supportive.

And he responded that there was no science or evidence associated with the childhood vaccine schedule.

And he elaborated that CDC had never collected the science or the data to make it available related to the safety and efficacy.

On August 19th, I received a directive from the secretary's office that I now required prior approval from my political staff for CDC policy and personnel decisions.

On August 21st, I was told to return to Washington from Atlanta immediately, which would have meant missing Officer Rose's memorial, something I was not willing to do.

When I did return, I was concerned about my ability to continue to lead the CDC while preserving evidence-based decision-making, commitment I had made to this committee during my confirmation hearing.

On the morning of August 25th, Secretary Kennedy demanded two things of me that were inconsistent with my oath of office and the ethics required of a public official.

He directed me to commit in advance to approving every ACIP recommendation, regardless of the scientific evidence.

He also directed me to dismiss career officials responsible for vaccine policy without cause.

He said if I was unwilling to do both, I should resign.

I responded that I could not pre-approve recommendations without reviewing the evidence, and I had no basis to fire scientific experts.

He told me he had already spoken with the White House several times about having me removed.

For three decades, I have worked at the intersection of public health, science, and technology innovation, always challenging the status quo and welcoming the changes that come from research and discovery.

Even under pressure, I could not replace evidence with ideology or compromise my integrity.

That is not accurate.

I refuse to do it because I have built a career on scientific integrity.

And my worst fear was that I would then be in a position of approving something that would reduce access of lifesaving vaccines to children and others who need them.

I was instructed to not speak directly with senators.

That was over the course.