Senators Raise Concerns About Kennedy's Financial Conflicts of Interest

Concerns Raised About Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Financial Conflicts of Interest

Two Democratic senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, have expressed "grave concern" about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential financial conflicts of interest if he is confirmed as the next health and human services secretary. In a letter to Kennedy, they cited his involvement in vaccine litigation and his financial interests in companies that could be affected by HHS decisions.

The senators pointed out that Kennedy's financial disclosure form raised questions about the scope of his potential conflicts. They noted that his involvement in vaccine litigation could result in significant financial compensation for his family if he were to make decisions or influence communications related to vaccines as HHS secretary.

Furthermore, they expressed concern about Kennedy's long-standing history of questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines. They argued that this history, combined with his financial interests, raises serious doubts about his fitness to serve as HHS secretary.

In response to these concerns, Kennedy has said that he would divest his interest in ongoing litigation against Merck, an HPV vaccine maker, by signing over his financial stake to his son. However, the senators remain concerned that he could retain an "indirect" financial stake in litigation involving a vaccine case against a company regulated by HHS.

They have called on Kennedy to make a series of commitments in writing to address their concerns, including recusing himself from vaccine-related decisions and communications, recusing himself from HHS matters involving cases or litigation that he or his family have an interest in, and pledging not to litigate cases involving vaccines or have a financial interest in litigation for four years after he leaves the post.

The Finance Committee will vote on Kennedy's nomination on Tuesday. A simple majority will have to approve sending his nomination to the full floor to advance his candidacy.