WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, pressed the ousted director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday over the risks of political influence in vaccine decisions.

Dr. Susan Monarez, who was fired from her role just weeks into the job , told the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee that she was dismissed for "holding the line on scientific integrity" after clashing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"What are the implications for public health if important scientific decisions at the CDC are made by the political staff, rather than the career scientists?" Collins, a committee member, asked during the hearing.

Monarez replied she was deeply concerned.

"These are very important, highly technic

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