FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2023
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Limiting CDC to Disease Control Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced legislation that would clarify that the authorities of the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), which were unlawfully expanded and abused during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited to those expressly authorized by Congress.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, government lockdowns triggered widespread layoffs and caused many businesses to close for good. But rather than simply allowing Americans to go back to work, the CDC issued a federal rent control order,” said Dr. Paul. “This experience illustrates one of the most important lessons of the COVID-19 public health emergency: power-hungry bureaucrats will use any excuse they can find to expand their powers. Congress shouldn’t let that happen, and my bill will prevent future overreach like we saw far too often during the pandemic.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Mike Braun (R-IN).
Specifically, the Limiting CDC to Disease Control Act would:
- Clarify that Section 361(a) of the Public Health Service Act only authorizes the agency to issue and enforce regulations addressing:
- Isolation and quarantine of infected individuals (subject to certain restrictions).
- Inspection, fumigation, disinfection, sanitation, pest extermination, destruction of infected animals or articles.
You can read the full text of the Limiting CDC to Disease Control Act HERE.
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