Clermont Times

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has accepted a recommendation from the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to formally debar EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. (EcoHealth). This decision was announced by Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who also revealed that HHS will immediately commence official debarment proceedings and implement a government-wide suspension of U.S. taxpayer funds to EcoHealth, including a hold on all active grants.

"EcoHealth Alliance and Dr. Peter Daszak should never again receive a single penny from the U.S. taxpayer," stated Chairman Wenstrup. He added that only two weeks after the Select Subcommittee released an extensive report detailing EcoHealth’s alleged misconduct and recommending its formal debarment, HHS has begun efforts to cut off all U.S. funding to this organization.

Chairman Wenstrup further accused EcoHealth of facilitating gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China without proper oversight, willingly violating multiple requirements of its multimillion-dollar National Institutes of Health grant, and apparently making false statements to the NIH.

"These actions are wholly abhorrent, indefensible, and must be addressed with swift action," he said. "EcoHealth’s immediate funding suspension and future debarment is not only a victory for the U.S. taxpayer but also for American national security and the safety of citizens worldwide."

The investigation into EcoHealth's activities and its role in the origins of COVID-19 is ongoing according to Chairman Wenstrup. He stressed that Dr. Daszak and his team are still required to produce all outstanding documents and answer the Select Subcommittee’s questions related to potential dishonesty under oath.

"We will hold EcoHealth accountable for any waste, fraud, and abuse," Chairman Wenstrup pledged, "and are committed to uncovering any illegal activity, including lying to Congress, NIH or the Inspector General."