Jeffrey P. Koplan

Controversy

In the late 1990s, Congress gave the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) $23 million to conduct research on myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as "chronic fatigue syndrome"). After concerns were raised about how these funds were being spent, an investigation was conducted by inspector general June Gibbons Brown. The investigation revealed that $12 million of the funds were not properly allocated towards CFS research and the CDC had provided inaccurate statements (to Congress) regarding the CDC's investment in CFS research. Koplan defended the actions of the CDC with the following statement: "While CDC is not legally prohibited from spending funds budgeted for CFS on other programs, we acknowledge the importance of complying with the intent of Congress and providing information to Congress."