Senate 'No Confidence' Resolution Details Alleged Purge of Public Health Programs and Vaccine Science

This Senate resolution isn't a bill to change law; it’s a formal declaration of “no confidence” in the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. Essentially, the Senate is saying the Secretary has systematically broken the law and undermined the core mission of public health. It’s a laundry list of serious accusations detailing how the Secretary allegedly dismantled key functions of HHS since taking office.

The $11 Billion Cliff and the Public Health Purge

One of the most immediate and scary accusations is the abrupt termination of $11 billion in public health funding to states, which allegedly happened on March 24, 2025. This isn’t just a line item cut; this money funds essential operations like disease surveillance (tracking outbreaks), emergency preparedness (getting ready for the next pandemic), and childhood immunization programs. If you’re a parent, this means the infrastructure that keeps diseases like measles and mumps contained could be seriously weakened, potentially putting your kid’s health at risk. The resolution claims this massive cut is unlawful under federal administrative procedure laws, which is why 23 states have already sued HHS.

Targeting the Civil Service and Vulnerable Populations

If you work for the government, or rely on its services, the staffing changes detailed in this resolution are alarming. The Secretary is accused of firing 5,200 probationary workers shortly after being sworn in, with plans to push out a total of 20,000 career civil servants. This isn't just about jobs; it’s about expertise walking out the door. More specifically, the resolution claims the Secretary directed the elimination of most staff from the eight Offices of Minority Health, which are legally mandated to address health disparities. This directly impacts research and programs focused on minority communities, violating sections 1707 and 1707A of the Public Health Service Act.

For seniors and people with disabilities, the resolution alleges the Secretary initiated mass firings at the Administration for Community Living (ACL), cutting staff by half. ACL runs programs like the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which is the person who advocates for residents in nursing homes. Cutting these staff means less oversight and fewer advocates for the 11 million seniors and 70 million Americans with disabilities who rely on these services. If you have an aging parent in a facility, this reduction in oversight could directly affect their quality of care.

Attacking Science and Undermining Public Trust

The most controversial points center on science, specifically vaccines and research integrity. The resolution alleges a “reckless and illegal purge” of research projects, halting studies on topics like Alzheimer’s, pregnancy health disparities, and violence prevention. This goes beyond budget cuts; it’s accused of targeting research connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), effectively delaying scientific progress on issues that disproportionately affect certain groups. For a researcher whose grant was suddenly terminated, this means years of work are instantly invalidated.

Furthermore, the Secretary is accused of actively discrediting vaccine science, halting funding for at least 40 research grants studying vaccine hesitancy, and even canceling studies seeking new COVID-19 vaccines. During a major measles outbreak—the largest in 25 years—the Secretary allegedly promoted untested treatments instead of supporting the MMR vaccine. The resolution also points out that the Secretary directed the CDC to stop recommending community water fluoridation and eliminated the entire Division of Oral Health on April 7, 2025, contradicting decades of established public health science that prevents dental decay. When the person in charge of public health is actively sowing doubt about established medicine, it makes it harder for every doctor and nurse to do their job and weakens the public’s ability to trust life-saving information.