Measures to block RFK

Credit:  https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/18/congress/health-groups-aim-to-stop-rfk-00190215 

Democratic-leaning healthcare groups discussed strategy for stopping Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary, Politico reported Monday. “We’re nowhere near conceding he’s going to be the next HHS secretary,” said Brad Woodhouse, executive director of Protect Our Care. On a call with over 200 people from dozens of healthcare organizations, Protect Our Care launched the “Stop RFK War Room,” which aims to convince moderate Republicans to block Kennedy’s confirmation. The war room will target Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, who are both moderates. They’ll also reach out to Sen. Mitch McConnell, who survived polio, and Sen. Thom Tillis, who is up for re-election in North Carolina in 2026. Woodhouse said that while some of Kennedy’s ideas—like eliminating food additives—have a broader appeal, his other ideas, like dismantling the FDA and the National Institute of Health, are “too dangerous.” Woodhouse added, “just because Hannibal Lecter has a couple good ideas on something, doesn’t mean I want to invite Hannibal Lecter to dinner.”