Key Highlights
- Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens formally introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The move is almost certain to be blocked in the Republican-controlled House.
- Stevens argues that Kennedy’s actions have jeopardized public health, increased healthcare costs, and cut medical research programs.
- The push comes amid ongoing disputes between pro-science groups and the Trump administration officials over regulatory issues.
Impeachment Effort Against RFK Jr. in the House
Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens, who is running for an open Senate seat in Michigan, introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on Wednesday. The move is likely to face significant opposition from Republicans controlling the House.
“It’s a public health and safety issue,” said Stevens during an interview with NBC News, emphasizing that her actions were driven by concerns over lives potentially being lost due to inadequate medical research programs. “When I introduce legislation to reinstitute the funding for those clinical trials, and it doesn’t get done… this is a safety issue.”
Background on Stevens’ Decision
In September, Stevens had vowed to introduce articles of impeachment against Kennedy after he made controversial public remarks and implemented cuts in the Department of Health and Human Services. The New York Times first reported that Stevens was preparing these actions.
“Secretary Kennedy remains focused on the work of improving Americans’ health and lowering costs, not on partisan political stunts,” said Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for HHS, pushing back against Stevens’ efforts in September.
Political Context
This move by Stevens is part of a broader trend among Democrats to challenge Trump administration officials. Just this week, Rep. Shri Thanedar also introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over allegations of murder and conspiracy to murder. Both Stevens and Thanedar are facing intense competition in Michigan’s Democratic primary elections.
Stevens, a seasoned lawmaker, emphasized her commitment to addressing public health issues. “I’m not going to sit quietly by while people’s health and safety and lives are on the line,” she said, adding that such actions are necessary to protect the public from potential harm caused by Kennedy’s policies.
Impeachment Process in the House
The likelihood of these impeachment articles advancing is slim due to Republican control over the House. “Republicans will never allow articles of impeachment to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives,” stated Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
While Democrats have expressed frustration with Trump administration officials, they recognize that impeachment remains politically unrealistic in this Congress. “What’s on the table is a meaningful investigation, which we can hope would be bipartisan,” said Jeffries.
Stevens’ push for impeachment aligns with broader efforts by pro-science groups to hold Kennedy accountable for actions perceived as harmful to public health and medical research. The stakes are high as the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its regulatory policies and their impact on various sectors, including healthcare.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and those advocating for scientific integrity, setting the stage for continued debates in Washington D.C.