NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans have reached out to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for an assessment of laboratory safety programs at key federal health agencies. The request was directed to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, focusing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The letter seeking this examination was signed by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Brett Guthrie, Chair of the Subcommittee on Health; and Morgan Griffith, Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

"This committee remains concerned about the effectiveness of the oversight HHS and its agencies provide to the laboratories they own and operate," states a key excerpt from their letter. It also highlights recent organizational changes within these agencies that may impact laboratory safety oversight. "In addition to numerous GAO recommendations that remain unimplemented by the FDA, both the CDC and the FDA recently announced organizational reforms to their laboratory safety and security functions, and it is not clear whether these changes will strengthen oversight or create new undue risk."

The background provided in their communication underscores past safety lapses at these institutions due to compliance failures with established policies. Notably, in July 2014, hazardous biological agents were discovered in an FDA lab storage area at NIH's campus. This incident prompted several reviews resulting in recommendations aimed at enhancing laboratory safety protocols.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a pivotal role in public health preparedness, research efforts, and ensuring well-being across America. However, previous evaluations by GAO have emphasized strengthening laboratory science security measures when handling select agents or dangerous pathogens.