Amarillo Gazette

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13), a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, delivered remarks in a subcommittee hearing questioning Dr. Anthony Fauci's actions before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This hearing marked Dr. Fauci's first public testimony since retiring from public service.

Rep. Jackson’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Dr. Fauci, I have to say, I, as so many Americans, am deeply disappointed in your actions during a critical time in our nation’s history while you were in key leadership roles as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and as the Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden."

"Put quite simply, you failed miserably, in my opinion. Based on all we have learned during the pandemic, and all that we have since learned through this committee’s work, I believe your failures stem from both an effort of self-preservation, manifested by a series of lies and cover-up, and by a total failure of leadership."

"It was obvious to everyone that you, your organization, and the NIH had a lot to lose if the American people were to discover that COVID-19 was most likely leaked from a lab in Wuhan China, and that you via EcoHealth Alliance and Peter Daszak actually funded this research and that this lab was actively and recklessly conducting gain-of-function (GoF) research."

"As such, you did everything in your power to deflect and cover up this possibility. You even recruited others to help you in this effort."

"Unfortunately, this cost our country and the world valuable time—time that may have led to answers regarding the origin—may have blunted the spread—and would have almost certainly saved lives."

"While I think most of us have known all along what I just described," Jackson continued "what I have been appalled to discover through sworn testimony to this committee is the level at which you and those who worked for you went to cover up the obvious."

Jackson provided several examples: "Dr. Lawrence Tabak testified that under its generic definition NIH did fund GoF research based on an initial definition used by NIH—a definition abandoned from their website in October 2021—and replaced with one much more detailed with a higher bar." He also mentioned: "EcoHealth Alliance failed promptly report their research violated grant terms—something unaddressed under your watch."

Jackson further criticized: "Dr. Morens bragged about subverting FOIA requests despite laws requiring compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests." He emphasized potential legal consequences stating: "If systemic avoidance or illegal document hiding occurred—you should be criminally charged—and they should too." Additionally noting: "Dr Gregory Folkers engaged illegal practices crafting messages using symbols avoid FOIA exposure.”

Jackson cited specific emails including one where Dr Morens said “There are things I can’t say” followed by “Tony is aware ongoing efforts within NIH steer minimal damage Peter colleagues NIH NIAID.” Another email stated “I learned tricks last year old friend Marg Moore heads FOIA office hates FOIAs.”

He concluded: “It is amazing Dr Morens Ms Marg Moore still employed taxpayers paying salaries.” Adding details about other communications suggesting protective measures for individuals involved.

Jackson asserted commitment towards accountability declaring: “American people rest assured—we continue pursue answers push full accountability despite continuing efforts cover-up.” Ending sternly addressing Fauci directly predicting historical judgment against him prioritizing personal interest over public protection resulting erosion trust public health system agency represented half-century concluding yield back.

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