WASHINGTON – The White House blocked Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield from testifying before Congress this week on how to safely reopen schools amid the coronavirus pandemic, multiple outlets reported.
Redfield and other officials from the CDC were going to testify in front of the House Education and Labor Committee as the debate over sending students back to school has intensified.
Redfield’s testimony, along with that of other officials, was blocked, according to the committee.
“Dr. Redfield has testified on the Hill at least four times over the last three months. We need our doctors focused on the pandemic response,” a White House official said, according to The Associated Press.
USA TODAY was unable to reach the White House for comment.
A spokesperson for the committee, speaking on