Only the Convenient Facts, Ma'am

Congressional testimony that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Julie Gerberding gave "about the impact of climate change and health was significantly edited by the White House," reports AP. "A CDC official familiar with both versions said Gerberding's draft 'was eviscerated,' cut from 14 pages to four," by the White House Office of Management and Budget. "The version presented to the Senate committee consisted of six pages." The CDC official called the edits "heavy-handed." The White House edits deleted "details on how many people might be adversely affected because of increased warming and the scientific basis for some of the CDC's analysis on what kinds of diseases might be spread in a warmer climate and rising sea levels." During questioning by members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Gerberding did describe "specific diseases likely to be affected," but "without elaboration."