His testimony drew a pointed rebuke from the White House. Officials suggested that any breakdown in communicating health information to the public was ultimately a failure on his part. "Dr. Carmona was given the authority and had the obligation to be the leading voice for the health of all Americans," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said. "It's disappointing to us if he failed to use his position to the fullest extent in advocating for policies he thought were in the best interests of the nation. We believe Dr. Carmona received the support necessary to carry out his mission," Fratto said.