Don’t Let RFK Jr. Replace Health Experts With Ideologues

I urge you to take immediate action to block Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plan to fire and replace all 16 members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). In a carefully reasoned op-ed published August 5 in The Washington Post, Dr. Leana S. Wen warned that this action would dangerously politicize the nation’s preventive health infrastructure. The USPSTF: A Pillar of Evidence-Based Preventive Care The USPSTF is a trusted, nonpartisan expert panel that issues medical recommendations grounded in peer-reviewed science. Its guidance affects coverage for critical services like cancer screenings, HIV prevention, mental health assessments, and cardiovascular disease monitoring. Under the Affordable Care Act, most recommendations graded A or B must be covered by insurers at no cost to patients. These standards help millions receive early detection and timely intervention that saves lives and lowers long-term health care costs. RFK Jr.’s Plan Threatens Science and Public Trust Dr. Wen—an emergency physician and former Baltimore Health Commissioner—warns that removing and replacing USPSTF members with ideologically aligned appointees would compromise the panel’s integrity. This follows Secretary Kennedy’s prior dismissal of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, signaling a broader effort to erode the independence of public health institutions. These actions risk replacing scientific judgment with political agendas. Congress Must Defend the Integrity of Preventive Health Policy I respectfully urge you to take the following actions: • Speak out publicly against any effort to remove the USPSTF’s current expert members for political reasons; • Introduce and pass legislation to ensure the Task Force retains professional independence and is shielded from political interference; • Hold oversight hearings to examine the intent, legality, and public health consequences of this proposed overhaul. Legal Loopholes Now Make Congressional Action Essential While the Supreme Court upheld the ACA’s preventive care mandates in Braidwood Management v. Becerra, it also affirmed the HHS Secretary’s authority to dismiss Task Force members. That legal opening has made it easier to politically reshape the panel—unless Congress acts now to implement structural protections and statutory guardrails. Please do all you can to ensure the USPSTF remains a trusted and independent voice in U.S. health care. Preventive medicine should be based on science—not ideology—and your leadership is vital to protecting it.