TPA Opposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224) 456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee will host a nomination hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Confirming Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS would be a costly error for taxpayers and consumers. Throughout his life, Kennedy has shown a willingness to apply heavy-handed regulations against food products and medications that he deems undesirable. Recent reports also indicate that, as Secretary, he would support using march-in rights to seize the intellectual property of pharmaceutical companies that receive federal funding.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) calls on members of the Senate to oppose Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation.

In response, David Williams, TPA President offered the following comment:

“Confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary would be a mistake that will wreak havoc on taxpayers and consumers, as well as the food and health industry of the United States. Americans have had enough of Washington bureaucrats telling them what they can and cannot consume. It is not the role of the federal government to police the diet of the American people – nor has it ever been. While some choices are better than others, Americans are free to weigh the risks for themselves. Further, RFK Jr’s pseudo-science regarding vaccines puts millions of children at risk.

“Kennedy’s track record as a trial attorney involved in mass tort lawsuits is also concerning. His willingness, in his past vocation, to go after American companies to extract costly settlements seems to be in keeping with his track record of opposing free market capitalism. 

“Recent reports that RFK Jr. would support the use of Bayh-Dole march-in rights are a perfect example of his disregard for property rights and free enterprise. Seizing patents is a surefire way to spook would-be investors in medical research. As a result, potential life-saving medications will cost Americans more and become less accessible. The expansion of march-in rights was another in a long line of progressive Biden-era proposals that voters rejected. The next HHS Secretary should be eager to roll it back, not expand it.

“American individuals and businesses simply want to be left alone. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not the HHS Secretary who will respect their wishes. We urge Senators to support lower medication cost, greater access, less government intervention and a free market by opposing his nomination.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.