Democratic doctors in Congress plan to create new caucus if RFK Jr is confirmed as HHS secretary

A group of House Democrats, all of whom are medical professionals, are preparing for the Senate to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next Health and Human Services Secretary by announcing a possible new caucus to elevate their concerns.

Kennedy, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump in November, is considered a controversial pick because of his previous anti-vaccine rhetoric. Kennedy said he would not eliminate any vaccines, but seeks to provide more transparency on health and vaccines so Americans can make more informed decision regarding their health.

Washington Democratic Rep. Kim Schrier led the group of Democratic doctors on Wednesday in voicing opposition for Kennedy in a press conference Wednesday. She was joined by fellow doctors and Democratic Reps. Ami Bera of California and Herb Conaway of New Jersey, as well as Lauren Underwood of Illinois, who is a registered nurse.

The lawmakers claimed Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance was "beyond irresponsible” and “should disqualify” him from leading HHS, Politico reported. 

Shrier, who is a pediatrician, said the caucus could also potentially work across the aisle with Republican doctors in the lower chamber. Shrier claimed she has already spoken to Republican Pennsylvania Rep. John Joyce, a dermatologist, about the caucus. Joyce now co-chairs the GOP Doctors Caucus, which has not commented on Kennedy's nomination.

“We’re going to need a lot of unity,” Schrier said.

The warning comes as Senate Republican doctors have largely embraced the nominee. Those doctors include GOP Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana who is a gastroenterologist, Rand Paul of Kentucky who is an ophthalmologist, and Roger Marshall of Kansas, who is an obstetrician.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.