Trump HHS secretary supports CDC gun violence research

Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said Thursday that he would allow his department to conduct research into the causes of gun violence (Source: “Trump health chief supports CDC research on gun violence,” The Hill, Feb. 15, 2018). 

Democrats on Thursday pushed for lifting a provision that restricts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from conducting research into gun violence. The annual appropriations provision states that, "None of the funds made available in this title may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.”

Azar, appearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he thought the CDC already has the ability to conduct gun violence research and indicated that this research will occur.  

"My understanding is that the rider does not in any way impede our ability to conduct our research mission," he said. "It is simply about advocacy."