Michigan Democrat files impeachment of HHS chief RFK Jr.
Michigan Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens filed an impeachment resolution against HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr., making him the latest Trump administration official targeted by Democrats. The move drew no backing from House Democratic leadership — Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to endorse and committee leaders said they were not involved — and prompted criticism from fellow Democrats who called it distracting or premature without a formal investigation and noted impeachment is unlikely to succeed in a Republican‑held House.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) filed an impeachment resolution targeting HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Democratic leadership did not back Stevens’ resolution; senior Democrats and leadership aides say she gave a heads‑up but received no formal support.
- Rep. Frank Pallone, the Energy & Commerce ranking member, said Stevens approached the committee to join her effort but the committee declined—contradicting Stevens’ claim that she 'worked closely' with the panel.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled he will not endorse the impeachment push, saying his focus is on protecting Americans’ health care.
- Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said such impeachment measures are unlikely to succeed in a Republican‑held House.
- Several House Democrats (including Reps. Jared Huffman and Don Beyer) criticized the move as distracting or performative, and Rep. Joe Morelle urged a formal investigation process before pursuing impeachment.
đź“Š Relevant Data
According to CDC's 2022 data, autism spectrum disorder prevalence among 8-year-old children is 3.7% for Black children, 3.8% for Asian or Pacific Islander children, 3.3% for Hispanic children, and 2.7% for White children, with Black children comprising about 13% of the US population and White children about 58%.
Autism statistics and facts | Autism Speaks — Autism Speaks
Non-Hispanic Black children born in 2010 and 2016 were less likely to receive the combined 7-vaccine series than non-Hispanic White children, with vaccination rates showing persistent disparities.
Non-Hispanic Black or African American adults were 10% less likely to have received the influenza shot during the 2023–2024 flu season than non-Hispanic White adults.
Immunizations and Black/African Americans | Office of Minority Health — Office of Minority Health
Rep. Haley Stevens introduced articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for reckless cuts to public health programs and anti-vaccine policies, including linking Tylenol use to autism.
Rep. Haley Stevens Moves to Impeach RFK Jr. for Reckless Cuts — stevens.house.gov
đź“° Sources (2)
- Democratic leadership did not back Rep. Haley Stevens’ impeachment resolution; she gave a heads‑up but received no support, according to senior Democrats and leadership aides.
- Rep. Frank Pallone (E&C ranking member) said Stevens approached the committee to join her effort, but they declined—contradicting Stevens’ claim she 'worked closely' with the panel.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled no endorsement, saying he is focused on protecting Americans’ health care.
- Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said impeachment measures are unlikely to succeed in a Republican‑held House.
- Several Democrats (e.g., Reps. Jared Huffman and Don Beyer) criticized the moves as distracting or performative; Rep. Joe Morelle emphasized the need for a formal investigation process before impeachment.