House Republicans subpoena NIH officer over COVID email use

In a significant move, House Republicans have subpoenaed Margaret Moore, a former public records officer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to provide testimony regarding her involvement in discussions about Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This action is part of a broader investigation led by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has been scrutinizing the communications of David Morens, a senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci. Morens is alleged to have utilized private email accounts for official NIH business, raising serious questions about the agency's transparency and adherence to public records laws. The subcommittee's investigation has uncovered emails indicating that Morens sought advice from Moore on how to manage FOIA requests, including strategies to limit the scope of searches. While Morens has claimed that his comments regarding email management were made in jest, the implications of these communications have prompted calls for further inquiry into the NIH's practices. The subcommittee has expressed concerns that Morens may have made false statements during his testimony, which could undermine the credibility of the information provided. Despite the lack of definitive evidence linking the NIH to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, the investigation has highlighted potential improprieties within the agency's public records department. Moore's attorney has argued that the subcommittee's interest in her role is based on unfounded allegations, suggesting that any testimony could lead to self-incrimination. The deposition is scheduled for Friday, and the subcommittee has emphasized the importance of Moore's testimony in validating previous statements and understanding the agency's FOIA policies. This ongoing investigation reflects broader concerns about accountability and transparency in government agencies, particularly in the context of the pandemic response.