Congress and Health Leaders Demand RFK Jr.’s Immediate Removal

 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s tenure as HHS Secretary has become highly controversial, marked by sweeping changes to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine policy reversals, and internal dissent. A stunning development came yesterday when a letter signed by over 1,000 current and former HHS employees demanded his resignation, warning that his leadership "endangers public health"

Simultaneously, more than 20 leading medical organizations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Public Health Association, also called for his removal, citing his disregard for scientific standards and harmful policy decisions. The chorus of dissent was fueled further by nine former CDC directors who explicitly urged Congress to intervene in a scathing op-ed criticizing Kennedy's actions as crippling the agency.

Congressional Outcry Meets Scientific Alarm

• Senate Oversight Intensifies
  At a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Kennedy faced fierce questioning from both Democrats and Republicans. Senators expressed alarm over his handling of vaccine policy, the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, and his appointment of anti-vaccine figures to key advisory roles. Over 1,000 HHS employees have collectively called for his resignation.
  Senator Bill Cassidy (R–LA), himself a physician, criticized Kennedy’s limits on vaccine access, and several lawmakers demanded greater oversight of the CDC’s regulatory process.
• Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
  Concerns are not just political. The medical community has decried Kennedy’s revocation of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy individuals and pregnant women, and his dissolution of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. These decisions have been widely viewed as undermining scientific integrity and public trust.

Power Lines: What Congress Could Do

1. Request Removal – While the president has the formal authority to remove the HHS Secretary, lawmakers like Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro have called publicly for his firing, signaling legislative intent to escalate if no action is taken.
2. Legislative and Oversight Tools
• Blocking Funding: Congress could rescind or withhold appropriations to limit Kennedy’s authority.
• Enhanced Oversight: Committees could demand more hearings, enforce stricter guidance standards, or delay critical advisory panel meetings under the pretext of ensuring legitimacy and transparency.
3. Public Accountability
   Editorials and scientific letters continue to shape the narrative: Nine former CDC leaders warned that the CDC is now "crippled" and urgently needs legislative rescue.

What This Means Politically

• Trust in Public Health at Stake: Kennedy’s controversial policies have eroded scientific foundations at key institutions like the CDC—damage that could take years to repair.
• Partisan Alliances Shifting: Though he retains Republican support—including from the White House—cross-partisan concern is growing as even Republicans call for oversight and caution.
• The Road Ahead: If public and political pressure mounts effectively, Congress may force Kennedy's removal—or shape legislation to neutralize his influence over public health policy.

Final Takeaway

We’re witnessing an unprecedented convergence of opposition—from rank-and-file HHS staff, former medical leaders, scientific institutions, and politicians across the aisle—demanding the immediate dismissal of a sitting cabinet member. Whether Congress pushes for direct removal, budgetary constraints, or legislative intervention, this crisis could set precedent for how science and governance clash in high-stakes policy roles.