Staff Reports
House Republicans are planning to introduce a new law to prevent former government health agency employees, like former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, from making money from medical research or products they were involved with. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) named the legislation the Fixing Administrations Unethical Corrupt Influence Act (FAUCI Act). The FAUCI Act would apply to employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, blocking them from participating in the development or research of drugs, biological products, or devices, as well as profiting from these products.
New: @RepDLesko introducing the FAUCI Act, which would prohibit former health officials from profiting off medical research or productshttps://t.co/6S8QAcAVom
— Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) May 2, 2024
Lesko believes that there is widespread distrust of former government health officials who appear to profit from their work after leaving their jobs. She hopes that the FAUCI Act will help rebuild trust and transparency in the government and hold public servants to higher standards. The bill, if passed, would prohibit former health officials from profiting from any product they were associated with during their time in government, as well as owning or profiting from drug patents or other medical products.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) has introduced a similar bill in the Senate, stating that public health officials should not be allowed to use their positions to benefit themselves and pharmaceutical companies. Vance believes that this legislation will help eliminate any conflicts of interest and restore trust in the government. The FAUCI Act has gained the support of six GOP co-sponsors in the House, including Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Joe Wilson (R-SC).
This legislation comes after Anthony Fauci stepped down from his position at the NIH in late 2022 and has faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers for his role in the country’s response to COVID-19 and the development of vaccines. Additionally, it comes shortly after Fauci agreed to testify before House lawmakers investigating the country’s coronavirus response for the first time since leaving government, with the hearing scheduled for June 3.
