Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) announced plans to introduce a measure targeting Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing what she has termed “healthcare disruptions” during his tenure.
In a post on X, Stevens detailed her concerns, stating that RFK’s time in office is characterized by “reckless cuts” and “increasing costs” in healthcare. She remarked, “There’s been enough disruption from this administration and Secretary Kennedy. Michiganders and families across the country are suffering because of the RFK Jr. agenda.” Stevens has expressed that it’s time to take action against these issues.
Stevens, who is also running for the Senate in 2026, has previously called for Kennedy to resign, criticizing him for impacting childhood cancer and vaccine research. Recently, she stated, “He’s making Michigan unhealthy and unsafe. It’s time for him to step down. We need to fight for the people, not those who hinder progress.”
Her record related to health policy has garnered attention, particularly during the pandemic when she made headlines for advocating that Americans should not fear COVID-19. This included a notable moment when she spoke on the House floor while wearing pink latex gloves. However, she faced backlash, especially considering her advocacy for school mask mandates while hosting a maskless wedding reception in 2021.
The situation has grown complicated, as several Democrats have opposed the administration’s health guidelines, despite supporting Biden-era public health orders. Recently, concerns were raised when the administration advised pregnant women to limit acetaminophen use (commonly known as Tylenol). The FDA confirmed the advice was based on evidence suggesting potential neurodevelopmental risks, although they noted that a direct causal link hasn’t been established.
Senate Majority Leader John Tune (R-SD) has expressed worries about the effect on public trust, insisting that the decision is grounded in science. Meanwhile, the UK’s Secretary of Health countered claims and emphasized a lack of evidence supporting specific allegations made in relation to the guidance.
On social media, reactions from liberal pregnant women framed the guidance as an “attack on women,” while Kenbu, the maker of Tylenol, reiterated that it remains the safest painkiller during pregnancy, despite clarifications regarding its untested status for pregnant users. They commented, “We don’t really recommend using the product during pregnancy unless necessary.”
Despite mounting pressure from lawmakers and health professionals, Kennedy remains steadfast and has vowed to implement reforms aimed at “making America healthy again.” More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees have called for his resignation, accusing him of jeopardizing public health and undermining the CDC after the dismissal of Susan Monarez. During a Senate oversight hearing, Kennedy refuted claims of political motivations behind that dismissal, arguing he acted to restore trust in public health decisions.
Some Senate Democrats, including Peter Welch from Vermont and John Ossoff from Georgia, have labeled Kennedy as “The Madman” and criticized his management. Georgia’s Raphael Warnock labeled him as “the greatest threat to American health.” Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) emphasized the dangers of dismantling the CDC, stating that it could lead to significant consequences for public health.
In a related note, Hawaii Governor Josh Green (D) urged Kennedy to resign, asserting that children’s lives depend on vaccination programs. Meanwhile, the governor from the Western Province has established the West Coast Health Alliance in response to what he describes as misleading communications from Kennedy’s office.
