Surgeon General Independence

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Bush Appointee Wrote Alternative Draft of Global Health Report

William Steiger, the Director of the Office of Global Health Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote a 2005 draft of the Surgeon General's Call to Action on Global Health that omitted or minimized discussion of the impacts of women's rights, poverty, climate change, tobacco, and obesity on global health.

Rep. Waxman to Introduce the Surgeon General Independence Act

Today Rep. Henry A. Waxman announced his plans to introduce legislation to protect the Surgeon General from political interference. On Tuesday, the Oversight Committee held a hearing at which three former Surgeons General testified regarding the damage the political interference has done to the ability of the Surgeon General to speak openly and honestly with the American public about threats to public health.

Chairman Waxman Requests Documents Related to Political Interference with the Surgeon General’s Office

Chairman Waxman writes to Secretary Leavitt requesting documents related to political interference with the work of the Office of the Surgeon General. Former Surgeon General Carmona testified before the Oversight Committee on July 10 that political appointees edited his public remarks, blocked him from developing or issuing several reports or calls to action, and denied travel requests on political grounds.

The Surgeon General's Vital Mission: Challenges for the Future

Sometimes called “the nation’s doctor,” the Surgeon General is widely viewed by the public as an objective authority on matters of health. Past Surgeon General Reports have addressed the health consequences of smoking and second-hand smoke, as well as other important public health topics such as AIDS prevention, mental health, and the health and wellness of people with disabilities. The position of Surgeon General provides a “bully pulpit” for public health in the United States and increasingly worldwide.

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