Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) commented on the recent decision by Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, to make significant changes within the department.
Kennedy revealed this move in an Op-Ed piece for the Wall Street Journal, a decision that could catch many GOP lawmakers off guard.
“We weren’t aware this was happening,” Collins noted, highlighting her role as a senior member of the Senate Health Committee. “It seems a bit excessive to ask everyone to resign, but I can’t really say for sure since I don’t know who he plans to replace.”
She mentioned that the CDC’s Vaccine Advisory Committee has been effective in providing the public with important guidance on vaccination.
Collins expressed concern that Kennedy hadn’t committed to retaining the vaccination experts from the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee.
“This is the first I’m hearing about it,” she admitted. “I’m not sure what the reasoning behind it is.”
In his column, Kennedy stated that the changes were necessary for Trump to influence the committee’s composition.
“If we hadn’t removed the current members, the Trump administration wouldn’t have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028,” he explained.
Kennedy also pointed out that vaccines have become a polarizing topic in American politics, noting a decline in public trust toward health agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, and vaccines themselves.
“That’s why, under my leadership, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prioritizes rebuilding public trust over any professional or anti-vaccine agenda. It’s crucial for the public to know that unbiased science drives our health recommendations,” he stated.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (NY) condemned Kennedy’s actions, calling them “reckless” in a public statement.
“The actions of RFK Jr. and the Trump administration threaten a program dedicated to safeguarding American health. The experts who have devoted their lives to protecting children from life-threatening illnesses are not just replaceable; this approach is reckless, radical, and fueled by conspiracy,” Schumer added.
