Key takeaways
• Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens has filed articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• She accuses him of cutting cancer and addiction research and restricting vaccine access.
• Stevens claims his actions have driven up health care costs and threatened public safety.
• Despite slim odds in a GOP House, Stevens wants to force accountability.
Impeachment Threatens HHS Leader
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens has taken the rare step of filing articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She argues his policy moves have put Americans at risk, slashed vital research budgets, and driven up health care costs.
Stevens Cites Impeachment Charges
Stevens points to deep cuts in cancer research, studies on sudden infant death syndrome, and addiction treatment research. She also blasts Kennedy for restricting vaccine access and spreading conspiracy theories. In her view, these actions violate his duty to protect public health and honor promises made at his confirmation.
What Is This Impeachment About?
First, impeachment is a formal accusation against a federal official for misconduct. Here, Stevens claims Kennedy’s decisions broke the law or abused his power. She says he ignored science, hurt health care access, and lied during confirmation hearings when he pledged not to disband the CDC’s independent vaccine panel.
Cuts to Medical Research
Stevens says Kennedy ordered severe budget cuts at the National Institutes of Health.
• Cancer Research: Funding was slashed just as new treatments showed promise.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Critical studies into cause and prevention saw cuts.
• Addiction Treatment: Research on opioids and recovery programs lost support.
She warns these moves could slow breakthroughs and cost lives.
Vaccine Access and Conspiracies
Moreover, Stevens accuses Kennedy of tightening access to life-saving vaccines. She claims his policy changes delayed shots for at-risk groups. She also criticizes him for promoting unfounded theories about vaccines. According to Stevens, these conspiracies have sown fear and endangered public health.
Broken Promises and Alleged Lies
During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy vowed not to meddle with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s independent vaccine advisory panel. However, Stevens says he has moved to restrict or reshape that group. She calls this a broken promise and a sign of dishonesty before Congress.
Rising Health Care Costs
In her articles of impeachment, Stevens cites data showing higher health care expenses since Kennedy took office. She links price hikes to program cuts and shifting coverage rules. Stevens argues that Americans are paying more for less protection.
Political Backdrop
This impeachment filing comes as Stevens campaigns for the Democratic nomination to Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat. She faces state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, former health director Abdul El-Sayed, and research specialist Rachel Howard. While the move may raise her profile, it also risks dividing her party.
What Comes Next
Impeachment articles go first to the House Judiciary Committee. Given the GOP majority in the House, Stevens’s effort may stall there. However, the filing forces debate on Kennedy’s leadership and public health priorities. If approved in committee, the full House would vote on whether to impeach. A Senate trial would follow only if the House succeeds.
Why This Matters
1. Science vs. Policy: Stevens argues that ignoring expert research harms innovation.
2. Public Trust: Accusations of conspiracy-peddling may erode confidence in vaccines.
3. Political Stakes: A Democrat impeaching a Democratic appointee is rare and dramatic.
4. Health Costs: Rising expenses affect families already struggling to afford care.
Looking Ahead
Even if the impeachment drive fails in a GOP House, Stevens has sent a clear message. She demands leaders who back science and keep promises. She says it is time to put people’s health above politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is impeachment?
Impeachment is the formal charge of misconduct against a public official. It does not remove someone from office by itself. It starts the process that could lead to a trial.
Why did Stevens target RFK Jr.?
Stevens claims Kennedy cut key health research budgets, restricted vaccine access, and broke promises made during his confirmation.
Can the impeachment succeed?
Because Republicans control the House, the articles are unlikely to advance past the Judiciary Committee.
What happens after articles are filed?
If the committee approves, the full House votes. A simple majority would impeach Kennedy. The Senate then holds a trial to decide on removal.
How could this affect public health?
The proceedings may spark debate on research funding, vaccine policy, and the role of science in government.