WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator John Kerry released the following statement today on the nomination of Dr. James Holsinger Jr. for U.S. Surgeon General.


“For the past six years we have seen this White House put politics ahead of health and science in a dangerous and reckless way," Senator Kerry said. "From vetoing the potential of life saving stem cell research to manipulating climate change reports to quieting the dangers of second hand smoke, they've gone to any lengths to put their interests ahead of our public health and scientific research.
 

“That's why more than ever the American people need a surgeon general who won't bend to heavy-handed political pressure. Dr. Holsinger is not the right person for the job. His troubling, unscientific and intolerant writings on homosexuality and his unwillingness to promote women's health initiatives while Chief Medical Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs prove he will serve based on his own political views, and not the truth of science. Dr. Holsinger's track record proves he cannot be an unbiased, science-first national spokesman on medical and public health issues.  I will oppose his nomination to be Surgeon General and urge my colleagues to do the same."

 

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