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 and should be removed from his position. | ChamberLight
Bills · SRES 374
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate Res.SRES 374Health
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 and should be removed from his position.
INTRO SEP 4· LAST ACTION SEP 4
READING
22MIN
COSPONSORS
28
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 resolution matters because it represents a significant public rebuke of a high-ranking cabinet member by a group of senators, signaling deep concerns about the direction of federal health policy. While a "sense of the Senate" resolution isn't legally binding and cannot directly remove the Secretary, it puts immense political pressure on him and the President who appointed him. It brings to light specific allegations of mismanagement, unlawful actions, and potential harm to public health programs and scientific research.
Voters should care because the issues raised, such as vaccine trust, disease surveillance, substance abuse services, emergency preparedness, and research into critical diseases and health disparities, directly impact their health and well-being. If the claims in the resolution are true, it means that essential government functions designed to protect public health are being undermined, potentially leading to real-world consequences like delayed medical breakthroughs, reduced access to care, and weakened defenses against future health crises.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
The resolution expresses the Senate's lack of confidence in Secretary Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. and calls for his removal from office.
This is the core purpose of the resolution, making a public and formal statement of disapproval from senators.
PROVISION 02
It alleges that the Secretary promoted an 'anti-science and anti-vaccine agenda' by removing scientists and experts and installing unqualified associates within the Department of Health and Human Services.
This provision highlights concerns about the scientific integrity and expertise guiding public health policy.
PROVISION 03
The resolution claims the Secretary unlawfully terminated $11 billion in public health funding to states and cancelled hundreds of federal research grants, including those for Alzheimer's and HIV.
These actions, if true, would significantly impact states' ability to fund critical public health services and hinder vital medical research.
PROVISION 04
It accuses the Secretary of undertaking mass firings of thousands of federal employees and reorganizing key divisions, including Offices of Minority Health, allegedly in violation of federal law.
This points to potential disruptions in federal services, a loss of institutional knowledge, and a weakening of programs aimed at addressing health disparities.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 4, 2025
Senate Res.SRES 374Health
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 and should be removed from his position.
This resolution matters because it represents a significant public rebuke of a high-ranking cabinet member by a group of senators, signaling deep concerns about the direction of federal health policy. While a "sense of the Senate" resolution isn't legally binding and cannot directly remove the Secretary, it puts immense political pressure on him and the President who appointed him. It brings to light specific allegations of mismanagement, unlawful actions, and potential harm to public health programs and scientific research.
Voters should care because the issues raised, such as vaccine trust, disease surveillance, substance abuse services, emergency preparedness, and research into critical diseases and health disparities, directly impact their health and well-being. If the claims in the resolution are true, it means that essential government functions designed to protect public health are being undermined, potentially leading to real-world consequences like delayed medical breakthroughs, reduced access to care, and weakened defenses against future health crises.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
The resolution expresses the Senate's lack of confidence in Secretary Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. and calls for his removal from office.
This is the core purpose of the resolution, making a public and formal statement of disapproval from senators.
high
It alleges that the Secretary promoted an 'anti-science and anti-vaccine agenda' by removing scientists and experts and installing unqualified associates within the Department of Health and Human Services.
This provision highlights concerns about the scientific integrity and expertise guiding public health policy.
high
The resolution claims the Secretary unlawfully terminated $11 billion in public health funding to states and cancelled hundreds of federal research grants, including those for Alzheimer's and HIV.
These actions, if true, would significantly impact states' ability to fund critical public health services and hinder vital medical research.
med
It accuses the Secretary of undertaking mass firings of thousands of federal employees and reorganizing key divisions, including Offices of Minority Health, allegedly in violation of federal law.
This points to potential disruptions in federal services, a loss of institutional knowledge, and a weakening of programs aimed at addressing health disparities.
GLOSSARY
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Sense of the Senate
A formal statement or resolution by the Senate that expresses its opinion on an issue, but does not have the force of law.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a cabinet-level position responsible for overseeing federal health and social programs.
Constitutional Oath
The pledge taken by government officials, including cabinet secretaries, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Statutory Duties
Responsibilities and powers assigned to a government official or agency by specific laws passed by Congress.
Public Health Service Act
A foundational U.S. law that established the Public Health Service and gives the federal government broad authority to respond to health crises, conduct research, and promote public health.
Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
A federal law that governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations, setting standards for public notice, comment, and judicial review of agency actions.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
SEP 4, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 4, 25
Referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S6330-6333)
