Congresswoman Files Formal Impeachment Against HHS Secretary Over Public Health “Chaos”

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens has formally moved to impeach Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She filed articles of impeachment on Tuesday. Stevens accuses the secretary of endangering public health and gutting critical research.

The filing represents a major escalation in political conflict over the nation’s health leadership. Stevens cites a pattern of actions she claims prioritize conspiracy theories over scientific evidence.

Impeachment Alleges Reckless Cuts to Medical Research

The articles of impeachment list several specific allegations. Stevens claims Kennedy has drastically cut funding for vital medical studies. Targeted research includes programs for cancer and childhood cancer.

Funding for studying Sudden Infant Death Syndrome was also slashed. Research into combating addiction was similarly affected. According to Reuters, these cuts have alarmed the medical community.

Stevens states these actions directly harm American families. She argues lifesaving scientific progress is being dismantled. The congresswoman says this constitutes a dereliction of duty.

Vaccine Policies and Agency Mismanagement Central to Charges

A core part of the impeachment focuses on vaccine policy. Stevens alleges Kennedy promoted restrictions based on debunked claims. He also canceled research on mRNA vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.

The filing details mismanagement of key health agencies. Kennedy allegedly fired all members of the CDC‘s vaccine expert panel. He reportedly politicized the FDA, calling it a “sock puppet.”

Staffing shortages followed, limiting agency function. Kennedy also ended public comment periods for HHS rulemaking. This reduced transparency and expert input on health policy.

The move to impeach HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. underscores a deep rift over science and public health policy in Washington. Its outcome will significantly impact the nation’s health infrastructure.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Why is Congresswoman Stevens impeaching RFK Jr.?

She alleges he endangered public health by cutting critical research and promoting vaccine restrictions based on conspiracy theories. His actions, she claims, represent a reckless abdication of duty.

What research programs were specifically cut?

The impeachment cites cuts to cancer research, childhood cancer studies, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research, and addiction combat programs. Funding for pandemic prevention centers was also canceled.

How did Kennedy manage the FDA and CDC?

The filing states he fired the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and politicized the FDA, causing staffing shortages. He also suggested eliminating entire FDA departments, according to the allegations.

What happens next in the impeachment process?

The articles will be reviewed by the relevant House committee. For impeachment to proceed, a majority of the House must vote to approve the charges, followed by a trial in the Senate.

Has an HHS Secretary been impeached before?

No cabinet secretary has ever been removed by the Senate through impeachment. The process is rare and historically faces significant political hurdles.