Impeaching Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
In CommitteeMs. Stevens (for herself and Mr. Swalwell) submitted the following …
Summary
What This Bill Does
This is a House Resolution to impeach Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." The resolution alleges that Kennedy has abused his authority and undermined the nation's public health infrastructure through a pattern of actions that violate his constitutional duties and federal law.
Who Benefits and How
If this impeachment resolution leads to Kennedy's removal, several groups would benefit:
- Biomedical researchers and universities would potentially see the restoration of $8.9 billion in cancelled NIH research grants and the unfreezing of an additional $1.5 billion in grants.
- Public health agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA) would regain institutional stability and the ability to meet statutory requirements without political interference.
- Pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturers would see clearer regulatory guidance and restored credibility in federal vaccine recommendations.
- Healthcare providers at Title X clinics (865 service sites) would potentially see restored funding, allowing 850,000 patients to continue accessing reproductive and preventive health services.
- Mental health providers and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would potentially see restored programs and services, including those specifically serving LGBTQ+ youth.
- ACIP advisory committee integrity would be restored with qualified immunization experts rather than politically-appointed individuals.
Who Bears the Burden and How
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would face Senate trial and potential removal from office if the House passes this resolution.
- Kennedy appointees to ACIP and other positions may face reversal of their appointments.
- Supporters of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda would see their policy direction halted or reversed.
Key Provisions
- Charges Kennedy with conducting "haphazard" reductions in force at NIH, CDC, and FDA that diminished public health capacity
- Alleges Kennedy cancelled over 2,600 biomedical research grants totaling $8.9 billion
- Accuses Kennedy of firing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replacing them with unqualified individuals
- Charges Kennedy with unilaterally removing COVID-19 vaccines from the recommended schedule for pregnant women and children without required ACIP input
- Alleges Kennedy spread vaccine misinformation and made scientifically unfounded statements about autism, fluoridation, cell phones, and HIV/AIDS
- Accuses Kennedy of shuttering the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in violation of federal law
- Charges Kennedy with withholding congressionally authorized funding for Title X family planning programs
- Alleges Kennedy impaired the federal response to the avian influenza outbreak
- Accuses Kennedy of abolishing the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, reducing CDC monitoring from eight foodborne illnesses to two
Evidence Chain:
This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
Primary Purpose
A House Resolution to impeach Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, for high crimes and misdemeanors including abuse of authority, undermining public health institutions, and spreading medically dangerous misinformation.
Policy Domains
Legislative Strategy
"Use constitutional impeachment power to remove HHS Secretary for documented abuses including workforce reductions at health agencies, cancellation of research grants, spreading vaccine misinformation, and failing to execute statutory requirements"
Likely Beneficiaries
- Public health institutions (NIH, CDC, FDA) - would regain leadership and capacity
- Biomedical researchers - would potentially see grant funding restored
- Healthcare workers and scientists - job security and program continuity
- American public - restored confidence in public health guidance
- Vulnerable populations (pregnant women, children, LGBTQ+ youth) - access to health programs
- Congressional oversight - restoration of transparency and FOIA compliance
Likely Burden Bearers
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - subject to impeachment trial and potential removal
- Appointees of Kennedy (including ACIP members) - positions may be reversed
- Supporters of Kennedy health policies - policy direction would change
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_secretary"
- → Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services
- "david_geier"
- → David Geier, appointed vaccine study leader
- "susan_monarez"
- → Susan Monarez, Senate-confirmed CDC Director (fired)
- "the_secretary"
- → Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Human immunodeficiency virus
National Institutes of Health
Reduction in Force - workforce reductions across DHHS
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - the premier Federal advisory committee responsible for immunization policy
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Department of Health and Human Services
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology