Facing widespread criticism for his actions, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. is under fire from Democrats. Rep. Haley Stevens announced she’s drafting articles of impeachment, accusing Kennedy of violating his oath by undermining public health recommendations, spreading conspiracy theories, and making reckless cuts to medical research. Kennedy’s controversial firings of top health officials, including the CDC director, and his recent claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, have further fueled the backlash. Despite the GOP-controlled House, the move is a likely preview of Democratic actions if they regain the House majority.
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On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offered approximately 80,000 employees a voluntary separation incentive payment, with a March 14th deadline. This follows HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments about wanting to remove certain staff and aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The buyout program, offering up to $25,000, mirrors a similar initiative undertaken earlier this year. Experts warn that staff reductions at HHS could hinder the agency’s ability to implement Kennedy’s policy goals.
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Following a measles outbreak in Texas resulting in a child’s death, Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the severity of the situation and announced the federal government’s provision of 2,000 MMR vaccine doses to the state. This action comes after initial downplaying of the outbreak and despite Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine stance. The CDC confirmed the outbreak’s link to low vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of cases involving unvaccinated individuals. A significant increase in measles cases across nine states has been reported, highlighting the urgency of vaccination efforts.
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During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senator Michael Bennet sharply questioned Robert Kennedy Jr.’s qualifications for the position of health secretary, citing a long history of promoting unsubstantiated claims. Bennet directly confronted Kennedy about past statements concerning COVID-19, Lyme disease, and the link between pesticides and transgender identity, highlighting the inconsistencies and dangers of such misinformation. Kennedy often hedged or denied making the claims, prompting Bennet to raise his voice and emphasize the life-or-death implications of the position. Bennet ultimately urged his colleagues to reject Kennedy’s nomination, citing the abundance of better-qualified candidates.
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John Q. Hosedrinker