The Heritage Foundation has expressed its approval of the nominations of Dr. Marty Makary and former Representative Dave Weldon to key health positions in the U.S. government. Dr. Makary, a surgeon from Johns Hopkins, has been nominated to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as commissioner, while former Rep. Weldon is set to become the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Makary's previous involvement with The Heritage Foundation includes serving as an expert panelist in 2021 at an event that discussed the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Jay Richards, who directs Heritage’s DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family, commented on these nominations: “I’m delighted with the nominations of both Dr. Makary and Rep. Weldon. Both men not only have distinguished careers, but they have both shown great moral courage in the face of intense opposition."
Richards praised Rep. Weldon's advocacy for vulnerable populations and highlighted Dr. Makary's stance during the COVID pandemic: "He’s been vindicated by subsequent events, but he spoke out when it was still a huge risk.”
Robert Moffit, a senior research fellow at Heritage’s Center for Health and Welfare Policy, also lauded Dr. Makary's contributions: “Few medical professionals have been as insightful in restoring public trust in public health as Dr. Makary." Moffit emphasized Dr. Makary's role during the pandemic in providing sound scientific analysis and advice.
Moffit further noted Dr. Makary's commitment to rigorous scientific investigation: “Clarity in the publication and reporting of scientific findings on complex medical topics is crucial for America’s doctors and the well-being of their patients.”
