CDC aims to increase political control over scientific publications

WASHINGTON — Political appointees appear poised to gain more control over information coming out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under a proposal to add a separate science office atop the agency.

The new office, called the Executive Advisory, Science, and Operations Unit, would review scientific publications, including Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, intended for peer-reviewed journals, or briefings by the director on preparedness activities. It would report up to the agency’s chief of staff, Matthew Buzzelli.

There’s been an effort within CDC over the last few months to identify funding for the new office, which is currently not part of the agency’s structure, according to three people familiar with the planning, who spoke with STAT under the condition of anonymity. No available funding has been found, those people said, and the office remains in limbo. In April, the agency published a notice seeking contractors to support its proposed creation.