1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am concerned and outraged over the recent actions taken by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). I implore Congress to take immediate action to protect public health and restore scientific integrity to our nation's health policies. The firing of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez is a serious mistake that undermines our ability to respond to public health crises. Dr. Monarez's expertise and leadership are crucial, especially as we face potential outbreaks of preventable diseases. Kennedy's dangerous anti-vaccine rhetoric, poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of all Americans. Kennedy's stance on vaccines is not just misguided; it's potentially lethal. We are already witnessing a resurgence of pertussis (whooping cough), a vaccine-preventable disease that can be fatal, especially for infants. The proposed appointment of Jim O'Neill to a key position within HHS is equally alarming. O'Neill's lack of medical or public health experience makes him woefully unqualified for a role that demands expertise in these critical areas. His appointment would further erode the credibility and effectiveness of the agency. I urge Congress to take the following actions immediately: 1. Remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as head of HHS. His anti-science views and actions are incompatible with the department's mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. 2. Deny Jim O'Neill's appointment to any position within HHS. We need qualified professionals with relevant experience in public health and medicine, not ideologues or industry insiders. 3. Demand the appointment of qualified candidates to leadership positions within HHS and its affiliated agencies. These should be individuals with strong backgrounds in public health, epidemiology, and medical science. 4. Reverse the life-threatening changes to vaccine policy that have been implemented or proposed under Kennedy's leadership. This includes reinstating and strengthening vaccine requirements and public health campaigns to combat misinformation. The current situation at HHS is nothing short of a public health emergency. Every day that passes with Kennedy at the helm and these policies in place puts more American lives at risk. We cannot afford to wait while preventable diseases make a comeback and our public health infrastructure is dismantled from within.