Senate Res.SRES 217Government Operations and Politics
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out the duties of his office.
INTRO MAY 12· LAST ACTION MAY 12
READING
17MIN
COSPONSORS
4
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it brings to light significant concerns about the direction and management of a key federal department responsible for the health and well-being of all Americans. If the alleged actions are true, they could lead to a reduction in crucial public health services, a slowdown in medical research, and a weakening of support systems for vulnerable populations across the country. Voters should care because these changes could directly impact their access to healthcare, social services, and the scientific advancements that improve quality of life.
If this resolution passes, it primarily serves as a strong public condemnation of the Secretary's actions by a portion of the Senate, potentially increasing pressure for investigations, policy reversals, or even further actions like impeachment proceedings, though it doesn't mandate any. If it does not pass, the Secretary's actions might continue without this formal expression of senatorial disapproval, potentially allowing controversial changes within HHS to proceed with less political challenge.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Expresses the Senate's lack of confidence in Secretary Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. to faithfully carry out his duties.
This is a direct, formal rebuke of the Secretary's performance by a chamber of Congress.
PROVISION 02
Cites the Secretary's alleged failure to meet obligations regarding health information, promotion, and research, including for diverse populations.
It suggests the Secretary is not upholding core statutory responsibilities critical to public health advancement.
PROVISION 03
Alleges the unlawful termination of $11 billion in public health funding to states and hundreds of research grants, harming public health and scientific progress.
This provision highlights actions that could severely undermine state public health infrastructure and vital medical research.
PROVISION 04
Describes a pattern of mass firings and reorganization within HHS, impacting thousands of employees and programs for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
It points to structural changes that could significantly disrupt the delivery of essential government services to vulnerable groups.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 12, 2025
Senate Res.SRES 217Government Operations and Politics
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out the duties of his office.
This bill matters because it brings to light significant concerns about the direction and management of a key federal department responsible for the health and well-being of all Americans. If the alleged actions are true, they could lead to a reduction in crucial public health services, a slowdown in medical research, and a weakening of support systems for vulnerable populations across the country. Voters should care because these changes could directly impact their access to healthcare, social services, and the scientific advancements that improve quality of life.
If this resolution passes, it primarily serves as a strong public condemnation of the Secretary's actions by a portion of the Senate, potentially increasing pressure for investigations, policy reversals, or even further actions like impeachment proceedings, though it doesn't mandate any. If it does not pass, the Secretary's actions might continue without this formal expression of senatorial disapproval, potentially allowing controversial changes within HHS to proceed with less political challenge.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Expresses the Senate's lack of confidence in Secretary Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. to faithfully carry out his duties.
This is a direct, formal rebuke of the Secretary's performance by a chamber of Congress.
med
Cites the Secretary's alleged failure to meet obligations regarding health information, promotion, and research, including for diverse populations.
It suggests the Secretary is not upholding core statutory responsibilities critical to public health advancement.
high
Alleges the unlawful termination of $11 billion in public health funding to states and hundreds of research grants, harming public health and scientific progress.
This provision highlights actions that could severely undermine state public health infrastructure and vital medical research.
high
Describes a pattern of mass firings and reorganization within HHS, impacting thousands of employees and programs for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
It points to structural changes that could significantly disrupt the delivery of essential government services to vulnerable groups.
Date resolution was submitted and referred to committee
March 24, 2025
Date of alleged $11,000,000,000 public health funding termination
Late February 2025
Approximate date of alleged 'reckless and illegal purge' of hundreds of research projects
March 27, 2025
Date Secretary announced intent to terminate an additional 10,000 employees
April 1, 2025
Date termination notices began for additional employees and most staff from Offices of Minority Health were eliminated
GLOSSARY
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Sense of the Senate Resolution
A formal statement of opinion or intent by the Senate that does not have the force of law and primarily serves to express the chamber's sentiment on an issue.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for federal public health, welfare, and social service programs.
Public Health Service Act
A major federal law that outlines the duties and powers of the Public Health Service, which includes supporting health research, promotion, and various health services.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A federal agency within HHS that conducts and supports medical research to improve health and save lives.
Administrative Procedure Act
A federal law that governs how executive branch agencies develop and issue regulations, requiring public notice and comment periods to ensure transparency and accountability.
Public Health Funding
Financial resources provided by the federal government to states, local governments, and other entities to support programs and services aimed at protecting and improving community health.
Reorganization
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 12, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 12, 25
Referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2865-2867)
The process of changing the structure, management, or functions of an organization, often involving shifts in responsibilities, staffing, or the combination/separation of departments.
Grant Termination
The official cessation of financial support provided by a government agency for a specific project, program, or research activity, often before its intended completion.
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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out the duties of his office. | ChamberLight
