Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) has announced plans to subpoena federal health agencies if they continue to block access to records on COVID-19 vaccine safety. As the next chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Johnson aims to hold the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accountable.
In a letter sent this week, Johnson accused these agencies of deliberately concealing data, including a 2021 CDC draft alert about myocarditis risks in vaccinated individuals. Johnson claimed the alert was suppressed after internal deliberations and has demanded unredacted versions of the draft and related communications.
The senator also pointed to heavily redacted reports from Pfizer and CDC, asserting that they obscured key information about vaccine safety. He criticized the Biden administration for a lack of transparency, warning that such actions have eroded public trust.
“For too long, these agencies have obstructed legitimate oversight efforts,” Johnson wrote. “That ends now.” He added that any further resistance would be met with subpoenas once he assumes his leadership position.
Johnson has given the agencies until December 3 to comply with his demands. His stance reflects a broader push for accountability regarding pandemic-related decisions, particularly vaccine safety.
The senator has sent more than 60 oversight letters during the pandemic, focusing on issues such as vaccine efficacy and early treatment options. Johnson’s new role in the Senate positions him to intensify scrutiny of federal health agencies.
