The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated formal debarment proceedings against Dr. Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., following recommendations from the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. This measure follows a government-wide suspension of all funds allocated to EcoHealth Alliance last week. Daszak first came into the public conversation following months of exclusive, investigative work by The National Pulse.
Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), who chairs the Select Subcommittee, issued a statement praising the move by HHS. “EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak’s personal debarment will ensure he never receives funds from U.S. taxpayers nor can he establish a new, untrustworthy organization,” Wenstrup said. The debarment decision comes two weeks after the release of a subcommittee report providing evidence of Dr. Daszak’s alleged non-compliance with NIH grant terms and his disregard for risks associated with gain-of-function research.
Chairman Wenstrup and other lawmakers on Capitol Hill have accused Dr. Daszak of complicity in a lab leak that caused the Wuhan virus pandemic. Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance also have extensive ties to Chinese research facilities.
Chairman Wenstrup recommended that HHS consider debarment during a hearing with NIH Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak last week. The subcommittee‘s findings have raised questions about Dr. Daszak’s relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and his adherence to NIH grant procedures. “Dr. Daszak’s impending debarment does not shield him from accountability to the American people,” Wenstrup emphasized.
HHS’s debarment proceedings against Dr. Daszak will prevent him from accepting future taxpayer funds. The Select Subcommittee’s report “An Evaluation of the Evidence Surrounding EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.’s Research Activities” has been a key document in this decision process. Wenstrup affirmed that the subcommittee would continue to seek transparency and compliance from Dr. Daszak, indicating ongoing investigations into his past testimonies and activities.
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