AFSCME Condemns RFK Jr.'s Confirmation as Health Secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Confirmation as Health Secretary Sparks Controversy

The recent confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the United States Health Secretary has ignited widespread debate, with AFSCME, a prominent labor union, expressing strong opposition. Kennedy's appointment was solidified by a Senate vote of 52-48, largely divided along party lines, with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a childhood polio survivor, being the sole Republican dissenting vote. (source)

AFSCME President Lee Saunders voiced significant concerns regarding Kennedy's alignment with the union's values, particularly those of front-line healthcare workers. In a detailed statement, Saunders emphasized that Kennedy's priorities seem more skewed towards benefiting wealthy backers rather than enhancing community healthcare access.

“Instead of increasing our communities’ access to vital care, he is only interested in increasing profits for his billionaire backers,” Saunders remarked. He further accused Kennedy of being complicit in plans to undermine essential programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), potentially stripping critical services from vulnerable communities.

Among the union's significant worries is Kennedy's history as a vaccine skeptic and his propagation of conspiracy theories. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy controversially attempted to revoke the authorization of COVID vaccines, citing concerns over their risks versus benefits. This move was met with shock from health experts, as the vaccines were pivotal in saving millions of lives. (source)

As Kennedy assumes leadership at HHS, AFSCME fears significant threats to public health systems and programs like Medicaid, Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which support millions of low-income families. There is also apprehension that he may hinder efforts to maintain affordable prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries, such as the $35 insulin cap.

The union warns that Kennedy might align with anti-worker factions within Congress seeking to enact massive Medicaid cuts to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. Such potential policies are viewed as damaging to healthcare costs, workforce stability, and economic security. (source)

Nonetheless, AFSCME remains committed to its cause. Saunders declared, “We will keep organizing to make sure that Kennedy and his anti-worker friends don’t get in the way of their essential work.” The union is determined to continue its advocacy for public services and workers' rights, urging members and allies to Get Organized.