WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, a key House panel overseeing the coronavirus vaccine development process heard from public health experts on the race to manufacture an effective drug. 

"This is a major process with a lot of regulatory oversight, all of this scientific engagement from advisory bodies, actions including enrolling and conducting very large clinical trials by multiple companies. This is not an easy process to disrupt just because somebody says something about it," said Dr. Mark McClellan, Founding Director of the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy​.

Democrats on the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce fear career scientists are not being allowed to do their jobs free from political interference.

They are calling for the release of additional standards for emergency use authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine once it's developed. But Republicans, like Congressman Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green, say science is driving the process and Americans can have faith in the vaccine when it becomes available.

"The White House has publicly pressured the FDA to issue emergency use authorizations for perspective COVID-19 treatments despite objections from FDA scientists," said Rep. Diana DeGette, (D-CO).

"I have grave concerns that some are trying to score political points by irresponsibly criticizing the FDA and its vaccine review and approval process, potentially undermining trust in the FDA authorized vaccine," said Guthrie.

There was no updated timeline provided at the hearing. Public health professionals stress only science should dictate the timeline. A few weeks ago Pfizer’s chief executive​ said the pharmaceutical giant could have an answer by the end of October but it's not clear if that translates to having a vaccine ready for distribution.

"Each of the four companies who are now in phase three clinical trials have published their clinical trial protocols," said Guthrie, assuring the public the process is safe and reliable.