Democrats Call for RFK Jr.'s Resignation Ahead of Senate Vaccine Hearing

September 4, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a dramatic escalation of tensions over federal vaccine policy, every Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee has publicly called for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The demand comes just hours before Kennedy is scheduled to testify before the committee amid mounting controversy over his handling of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and broader public health strategy.

CDC Turmoil Sparks Political Firestorm

The uproar follows the abrupt dismissal of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez last week, reportedly after she resisted pressure from Kennedy to align agency policy with his vaccine skepticism. Four senior CDC officials resigned in protest, citing concerns over politicization and disregard for scientific integrity.

• Monarez's statement: In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Monarez said she was fired for "putting evidence above ideology and facts above fear".

• Agency shakeup: The resignations have triggered widespread concern among public health experts and lawmakers, with some warning of a "healthcare calamity" under Kennedy's leadership.

Vaccine Policy Under Scrutiny

Kennedy's tenure has been marked by controversial decisions, including the cancellation of a vaccine advisory panel and a $500 million cut to mRNA research funding. These moves, coupled with recent FDA restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine access for children, have fueled bipartisan alarm.

• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD): "He absolutely must go. The American people do not deserve to have their health endangered by an HHS secretary who thinks he knows better than experts".

• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR): "Robert Kennedy was unfit to serve before he was on the job. His actions reinforce the danger he poses to the health of America".

Public Sentiment and Political Fallout

A new CBS News poll shows that a majority of Americans believe Kennedy's policies are making vaccines less available, despite broad bipartisan support for childhood immunizations. The hearing is expected to be a flashpoint for both parties, with Republicans divided over Kennedy's approach.

• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has called for postponing a CDC vaccine advisory meeting and pledged oversight through the Senate HELP Committee.

• President Trump's position remains ambiguous, though he has publicly tasked Kennedy with "restoring trust" in the CDC.

What's Next?

Kennedy is expected to defend his overhaul of HHS as a necessary correction to what he calls "politicized science and bloated bureaucracy." His "Make America Healthy Again" commission has proposed sweeping reforms targeting chronic disease, environmental toxins, and overmedicalization-but critics argue these efforts are being undermined by his vaccine stance.

The outcome of today's hearing could shape the future of federal public health leadership and vaccine policy for years to come.