Whistleblower: Cheney Wanted Cuts in Climate Change Testimony
Former EPA Official Says Cheney Pushed for Cuts in Health Officials' Climate Change Testimony
But the testimony was ultimately redacted, presumably by someone else at the EPA, CDC or in Cheney's office.
"We don't comment on internal deliberations," said Megan Mitchell, Cheney's spokesperson, when asked today about Burnett's characterization of the editing of Gerberding's testimony.
Boxer read from Burnett's letter and compared his assertion with a statement by White House Secretary Dana Perino the day after Gerberding's testimony that the redacted portions did not necessarily comport with known science.
"That was a lie," Boxer said today.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto disputed that, saying, "The allegation that Dana lied is factually incorrect. Sen. Boxer is wrong and she must have missed [White House Science Adviser] Dr. Marburger who put out a public statement point-by-point with his concerns with testimony… We stand 100 percent behind what Dana said," said Stanzel.
Marburger told Boxer's committee last November that he had some concerns with Gerberding's testimony and recommended changes, but did not suggest that full pages be redacted from it.
After the press conference, Boxer was asked about the the president's pledge in Japan. She said it was predicated on too many "buts."
"But, but, but, but," Boxer said. "But if the Chinese do this. But if the Indians do that. It's more of the same and it's doing nothing."
ABC News' Jen Duck contributed to this report.
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
