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Kennedy's vaccine conflicts undermine public trust in public health

To: Sen. Durbin, Sen. Duckworth, Rep. Davis

From: A verified voter in Oak Park, IL

February 5

The amended financial disclosure form from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest if he were to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services. His extensive involvement and financial interests related to vaccine litigation cases could result in personal compensation for his family based on decisions made in an official government capacity overseeing vaccine policies and regulations. This represents an unacceptable conflict that undermines public trust. Senator Warren rightly recognizes that Kennedy's long history of expressing doubts about vaccine safety, combined with these financial entanglements, cast grave doubts on his fitness to lead an agency responsible for protecting public health. Prioritizing personal profits over scientific consensus would be a dereliction of duty. To address these valid concerns, Kennedy must commit in writing to fully recuse himself from all vaccine-related decisions and communications during his tenure. He should also recuse from any HHS matters involving litigation where he or his family retain interests, and pledge not to engage in vaccine litigation or have related financial stakes for four years after leaving the position. Only concrete ethics assurances can begin to mitigate the conflicts posed by his nomination. The public deserves full confidence that the nation's health policies will be guided by evidence and the public good, not private financial motivations.

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