Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) shed light on the challenges faced in obtaining crucial information regarding the origins of COVID-19. Speaking at a hearing focused on federal records management and transparency, Dr. Paul emphasized the ongoing obstruction by federal agencies in providing necessary documents.

During the hearing, Dr. Paul expressed frustration over the government's reluctance to cooperate with Congressional oversight requests, stating, "The government continuously obstructs my efforts to obtain crucial information regarding the origins of COVID-19." He highlighted the refusal of agencies to disclose relevant documents, leading to delays and heavy redactions in the information provided.

Dr. Paul also addressed the legislative efforts aimed at promoting transparency in COVID-19 origins research, noting that "Last year, Congress unanimously passed legislation declassifying all documents on the origins of COVID-19." However, he raised concerns about the insufficient summary of information received by Congress, which limits public access to vital details.

Furthermore, Dr. Paul criticized the behavior of Dr. David Morens, a top advisor to Dr. Fauci at NIH, accusing him of improper deletion of COVID-19 origins materials and the use of personal email to evade public oversight. Stressing the importance of accountability in preventing future pandemics, Dr. Paul emphasized the need to hold agencies responsible to Congressional oversight.

Acknowledging the broader pattern of evasion within the government, Dr. Paul advocated for bipartisan efforts to reform the public records system. He commended organizations like the United States Right to Know for their efforts in pushing the executive branch to comply with record disclosure through legal means if necessary.

In conclusion, Dr. Paul underscored the non-partisan significance of transparency and accountability in the public records system, stating, "The importance of having a transparent public records system and bringing accountability back to the government is not a partisan issue."