Washington, D.C. - Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement about the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance for children and summer camps:
“The science - not political science - tells us children should never be required to wear masks outside. That’s why the updated CDC guidance isn’t enough.
“I agree with experts, medical professionals, and other parents who are urging for more unnecessary restrictions on our children to be lifted. We should be doing what is best for their health and well-being. According to the scientific research, the COVID-19 risk to children is low. Children have suffered enough under lockdowns and school closures. It’s time for them to have their lives back - to thrive, learn, and be kids."
Note: Leader Rodgers (R-WA) sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky on May 14, 2021, requesting that her agency update its guidance related to children and travel. Leader Rodgers asked Director Walensky to follow science and update her agency’s summer camp guidance, school guidance, and travel guidance for vaccinated people. The letter comes shortly after the CDC announced it would be relaxing its guidance for those who are vaccinated from having to wear face masks.
In the letter, Leader Rodgers first highlights the guidance the CDC had issued recommending that children wear masks outdoors at summer camps and asks if children should still be wearing them while playing. Leader Rodgers also points to the guidance the CDC issued regarding schools before it was reported that teachers’ unions successfully lobbied the CDC to change their guidance on school reopenings. The letter finally points out that for vaccinated Americans, masks are still mandatory despite a prior comment from the CDC that Americans will “resume activities that [they] did prior to the pandemic."
