Government watchdog says key federal health agency is failing on crises

The Government Accountability Office said it is designating HHS’ leadership and coordination of public health emergencies as a “high risk” area for the government. Such a “high risk” designation from the GAO carries no immediate penalties for an agency, but it signals to Congress that lawmakers need to pay special attention to that agency’s operations to avoid future debacles.

The report, part of the GAO’s ongoing evaluation of the government’s pandemic response, comes as leading senators of both parties released draft legislation this week calling for a close study of the pandemic and an overhaul of HHS capabilities. Among the lawmakers' priorities are closer congressional oversight of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an HHS agency, building out the supply chain and improving coordination from the top rungs of HHS.

Under both the Biden and the Trump administrations, HHS has taken a backseat to the White House in management of the coronavirus pandemic even though its scientists, doctors, disease detectives and service providers carry out most of the day-to-day work. Ramping up production of at-home Covid-19 tests has become a top priority for the White House in recent weeks.

During the Covid-19 pandemic many Americans have been befuddled by shifting guidance from the CDC as to what they can do to protect themselves and people they interact with. “The American people have stopped listening to the CDC because of their confusing and conflicting guidance — justifiably so,” Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., said this week in releasing bipartisan legislation to overhaul the government's pandemic response.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

U.S. health agency has 'persistent deficiencies' in its crisis response -watchdogThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has 'persistent deficiencies' in its ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, the U.S. congressional watchdog warned in a report released on Thursday, citing concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Watchdog: HHS failing on health crises, deemed ‘high risk’A nonpartisan congressional watchdog says the federal Department of Health and Human Services is failing to meet its responsibilities for leading the nation’s response to public health emergencies including the coronavirus pandemic, extreme weather disasters and even potential bioterror attacks.
Source: AKNewsNow - 🏆 460. / 53 Read more »

Biden: Crypto Rules Are Matter of National Security | CoinMarketCapBarron's says the White House will soon release an executive order that will give federal agencies responsibility for developing new rules that cover cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and NFTs. GOOD
Source: CoinMarketCap - 🏆 290. / 63 Read more »

Chill out. Your COVID test from the federal government won’t be ruined if it’s left outside in frozen weather, FDA saysFree COVID test kits from the federal government are starting to be delivered. Cause they aren't accurate in the first place
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »

One U.S. Circuit Court Is Breaking Every Rule in the Book to Push Its Radical AgendaTwo recent challenges to federal government efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the problem.
Source: Slate - 🏆 716. / 51 Read more »

Australian PM's $700M Great Barrier Reef plan slammed for failing to address climate crisisThe PM said he's 'backing the health of the reef,' the future of tourism operators, communities 'at the heart of the reef economy.'
Source: axios - 🏆 302. / 63 Read more »