Former Surgeon General:  Gov’t Squelched Health Reports

In an incendiary report Tuesday to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona (who served from 2002 to 2006) pointed a finger at the Bush administration for prioritizing politics over truth. 

Carmona contends that he was dissuaded by White House officials from speaking about stem cells, emergency contraception, sex education, or prison and mental and global health issues.  He also describes the efforts of top administration officials to manipulate a notable report on secondhand smoke.

Carmona’s testimony came two days before the Senate confirmation hearings of his designated successor, Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr., who was nominated this year by President Bush.

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