Staten Island Reporter

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released a statement today following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) initiation of formal debarment proceedings against Dr. Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. This action follows HHS's government-wide suspension of all funds allocated to EcoHealth Alliance issued last week.

"I fully support the Department of Health and Human Services' decision to initiate formal debarment proceedings against Dr. Peter Daszak, something that likely would not have happened if not for the work of our Select Subcommittee that has been exposing Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance's inappropriate actions," said Malliotakis. "Blinded by greed and ambition, Dr. Daszak funneled millions of taxpayer dollars into what was clearly dangerous, if not catastrophic, gain-of-function research, playing a risky game with global health. Taxpayers expect and deserve to have every cent of their hard-earned money used responsibly, especially in critical scientific research that impacts public health."

Malliotakis further stated: "This decisive move by HHS underscores the importance of transparency and sends a strong message that violations of public trust will not be tolerated. I commend HHS for protecting American taxpayers and ensuring government resources are used with integrity, and I'm proud to be a part of the team that exposed their corruptions to achieve accountability. The American people deserve better than Dr. Daszak, and his individual debarment will ensure he never receives funds from U.S. taxpayers again."

The Select Subcommittee’s report titled “An Evaluation of the Evidence Surrounding EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.’s Research Activities” can be read [here]. The letter from HHS to Dr. Peter Daszak is available [here]. HHS's Action Referral Memorandum can be accessed [here].