Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to declare a public health emergency for measles. In a letter dated July 11, 2023, Schumer criticized Kennedy for his handling of the outbreak, which has led to nearly 1,300 infections across 38 states, marking the largest resurgence in measles in over three decades.
Schumer’s letter highlighted that what began as a localized outbreak in Texas has escalated into a nationwide health crisis. He expressed grave concern about Kennedy’s “response — or lack thereof” to the alarming rise in measles cases, which have reached a record high a full 25 years after the disease was declared eliminated in the United States.
The senator accused Kennedy of walking the country into this crisis by undermining vaccination efforts. He pointed to actions taken under Kennedy’s leadership, including significant layoffs of federal health care employees, cuts to public health funding, and the dismantling of critical protections designed to safeguard public health. Schumer specifically noted the impact of these decisions on local health initiatives, stating that the state of Texas saw the closure of 50 vaccine clinics and 21 public health workers losing their jobs in Dallas County alone.
In his plea for immediate action, Schumer stated, “To prevent this historic record high spread from reaching further and to save lives, you should immediately declare a Public Health Emergency for measles.” He emphasized that measles is not only highly contagious but also preventable through vaccination, which had been a cornerstone of public health efforts for years.
The letter did not shy away from detailing the consequences of Kennedy’s policies. Schumer accused him of canceling crucial research initiatives, such as those conducted by the National Institutes of Health into vaccine hesitancy, and highlighted the controversial removal of all members from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This committee plays a key role in guiding vaccine policy and recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Amidst the rising cases, Schumer criticized Kennedy’s public statements regarding the outbreak, suggesting that his remarks have contributed to a culture of skepticism surrounding vaccines. He pointed out a troubling trend where Kennedy continued to question vaccine safety and perpetuated unfounded conspiracy theories linking vaccines to autism, despite acknowledging the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles.
Some Republican lawmakers are also facing scrutiny for their previous support of Kennedy’s nomination. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) was asked to reconcile his backing of Kennedy with the current public health crisis. Cassidy responded that Kennedy has advocated for vaccinations, making his support consistent. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) expressed that his endorsement was largely influenced by Cassidy’s stance.
Schumer concluded his letter by reiterating the urgent need for a coordinated public health response to the measles outbreak, urging Kennedy to mobilize federal resources and funding to combat the crisis effectively. He stressed that the American public deserves more than political maneuvering; they need decisive action to protect their health and well-being.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, public health officials and lawmakers remain under pressure to address the alarming rise in measles cases and restore confidence in vaccination programs.
