Sen. Tim Kaine Apologizes to Former CDC Director

Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia recently expressed regret toward Susan Monales, the ousted director of the CDC, after he raised concerns about her strength during her confirmation hearing in June.

Kaine stated, “You definitely met the qualification requirements. However, my doubts about the direction of the Health and Human Services (HHS) led me to question your backbone, which, frankly, is rare in politics. This was a reason I voted against your confirmation,” during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing.

He continued, “I worry less about your qualifications. My worries were really about your backbone. I admit I was incorrect in my judgment, so I apologize.”

Back in June, Kaine had questioned the significant changes regarding FDA tobacco regulations and the closure of the CDC’s office dedicated to smoking and health, which resulted in the layoffs of 120 employees.

He pointed out, “It seems like HHS Secretary has prioritized these changes, yet the CDC appears to be sidelined, experiencing substantial cutbacks. My concerns were more about the action than your qualifications.”

“I had questions about your commitment to your values,” he stated to Monales.

Monales responded by clarifying that the staffing decisions were not her responsibility, noting that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had advocated for cuts regarding chronic illness initiatives.

The White House dismissed Monales in August, citing a misalignment with the president’s health agenda.

Kaine, along with other Democratic senators, opposed Monales’ nomination.

During the hearing, Monales shared her experience of being dismissed by Kennedy, asserting that this occurred after she refused to endorse vaccine recommendations without adequate data review.

Kennedy allegedly claimed that he dismissed her due to a lack of trust.

On Tuesday, Monales told Kaine she had been instructed not to engage with senators because of increasing tensions during Kennedy’s vaccination policies.

Kaine remarked, “Previously, we communicated frequently with the CDC director during COVID and various emergencies. It’s of great concern that the CDC director was told to remain silent and not communicate with those who had verified her and her direct supervisor.”