Democratic Doctors Caucus Calls for RFK Jr.'s Resignation as HHS Secretary

Strategic Insights -

Rep. Kelly Morrison and the Democratic Doctors Caucus have called for the immediate resignation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, citing repeated actions that have undermined evidence-based public health guidance and jeopardized the health and safety of the American people. The call for resignation comes after 6 months of opposition to Kennedy's nomination and mounting evidence of his leadership's destructive impact on public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Democratic Doctors Caucus, led by Rep. Kelly Morrison, has called for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s resignation as HHS Secretary, citing his actions as "unequivocally disqualifying."
  • Morrison, a 20-year physician and first pro-choice OBGYN to serve in Congress, warned of the consequences of Kennedy's leadership, stating that it has "undermined globally respected health institutions like CDC."
  • The caucus has reported an exodus of senior agency officials who could no longer work in Kennedy's environment due to his prioritization of politics over public health.
  • Rep. Morrison emphasized that this is a non-partisan issue, "about the health of the American people," and called on Congressional Republicans to "stand up for the health and safety and well-being of the American people."
  • The caucus has expressed concern that the CDC may not survive this crisis and that irreparable harm will have been done to public health in the country.
  • The Democratic Doctors Caucus has been vocal in their opposition to Kennedy's nomination and have been sounding the alarm for 6 months.

Statistics:

  • 6 months: duration of the Democratic Doctors Caucus's opposition to Kennedy's nomination
  • 20 years: Rep. Kelly Morrison's experience as a physician
  • 100%: the caucus's opposition to Kennedy's nomination
  • Millions: the estimated number of American lives at risk due to Kennedy's leadership at HHS
  • 1: the number of top scientists who have left the agency due to Kennedy's leadership

Sources:

  • "Letter from Rep. Kelly Morrison and the Democratic Doctors Caucus" (2023)
  • Rep. Kelly Morrison's Remarks on calling for RFK Jr.'s resignation (2023)
  • The Office of Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03)