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CDC head embarrassed by high federal pay

Dr. Robert Redfield Jr., the new head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will have his pay cut — by request. The fact it was set where it was by the Washington machine speaks volumes.

Redfield took office in March, at an annual salary of $375,000. That is at least $150,000 more than any other CDC director has ever been paid.

Yes, $150,000.

Redfield asked that his pay be reduced, and on Monday an anonymous official with the Department of Health and Human Services told The New York Times that HHS will cut it — though there was no word on what Redfield’s new salary will be or what level he favors.

“Dr. Redfield has expressed to [HHS] Secretary [Alex] Azar that he does not wish to have his compensation become a distraction for the important work of the C.D.C.,” an HHS spokeswoman, who declined to be named, wrote in an emailed response to questions from the Times. “Therefore, consistent with Dr. Redfield’s request to the Secretary, Dr. Redfield’s compensation will be adjusted accordingly.”

The huge pay bump came through a provision called Title 42, which Congress enacted to offer competitive salaries to scientists with specific skills, to lute them into public service. Title 42 was not used for either of the previous two CDC directors.

Both taxpayers and the many federal employees who can never dream of a 66.6 percent pay raise ought to be outraged.

The “swamp” strikes again.

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