House Republicans challenge Biden agencies on alcohol health studies

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer and Chairwoman Lisa McClain, has been engaged in a dispute with the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services regarding alcohol health studies since April. Their concern arose when the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking announced plans to use $1.3 million allocated by Congress for alcohol-related mortality studies, which they believe undermines the goal of an impartial investigation. This funding was originally intended for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to explore both the positive and negative health effects of moderate alcohol consumption. The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provided limited recommendations on alcohol, urging against starting to drink and suggesting lower consumption levels. The guidelines have influenced public perception, particularly among younger adults, who have been drinking less over the past two decades. In contrast, older adults have increased their alcohol consumption, leading to a steady national average. Despite the committee's repeated requests for information, the USDA and HHS have been slow to respond, providing minimal documentation. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among Republicans about the agencies' commitment to congressional oversight and the integrity of the research process. As the feud continues, Comer and McClain have set a deadline for both agencies to respond substantively to their requests by September 19. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact future public health recommendations regarding alcohol consumption and the direction of federal health policy.