Democratic senators say they have ‘grave concerns’ over RFK Jr.’s potential financial conflicts
Two members of the Democratic Senate On the committee This will happen to decide whether to enhance Robert F. nomination. Kennedy Junior. Financial detection presentation He gave them a “great concern” about whether he should become a secretary of health and humanitarian services.
in Message to Kennedy On Sunday, Sinard Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, Ron Widen, D.
“What is clear is that your participation and financial interests in vaccine cases are wide and comprehensive. Warren Wowiden wrote, who works in the Finance Committee.” It seems that many different types of decisions and communications related to vaccines-which you will be enabled to make and impact as a trustee-may lead to financial compensation Great for your family. ”
“These conflicts, along with your decades -old profession, about the safety and effectiveness of life rescue vaccines, give us great concern about your fitness to be a secretary,” they continued.
At the end of last week, in a written response to follow -up to the members of the Senate after his testimony to two committees, Kennedy said that he would strip his interest in the continuous litigation against Merck, a human papillus vaccine maker, by signing his financial share on his son.
Before the hearings last week, Kennedy revealed that his financial interests included referral fees from law firms, including from the law firm Wesnar Boom. Lawyer is sued the Merck at the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against the HPV.
“I have the right to obtain 10 % of the fees granted in the aforementioned emergency fees. I am not trying these cases, and I am not a lawyer to register in cases, and I will not provide representative services regarding cases during my appointment to the position of secretary.
Kennedy’s subsequent decision to sign his interest to his adult son did not threaten the concerns of democratic lawmakers, who said that he could retain the “indirect” financial share in the litigation that involves a vaccine case against a company organized by HHS.
Senators Kennedy called for a series of obligations in writing to address their concerns about financial disputes, including that he will restore himself from the decisions and communications related to vaccines, and retract itself from HHS issues that have an interest in, and pledge not to charge cases that involve vaccines or you have A financial interest in litigation for a period of four years after leaving this position.
Kennedy I criticized precisely Last week after submitting his financial disclosures, with Warren He asks him very much Whether he will undertake that for four years after he left his position as Minister of Health and Humanitarian Services, he will not benefit from his actions in the government. Kennedy will not do it.
He said he would adhere to ethics as the HHS secretary was. A Kennedy spokesman declined to comment.
The Finance Committee will vote on Kennedy’s nomination on Tuesday; The simple majority will have to agree to send his candidacy to the full floor to enhance his candidacy.
