STAT+: Top Democrats question RFK Jr.’s health care advisory panel

STAT PlusExclusive Top Democrats question RFK Jr.’s health care advisory panel Merkley, Wyden raise questions about members’ credibility, financial conflicts Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Chelsea CirruzzoJuly 14, 2026 Washington Correspondent Chelsea Cirruzzo[email protected]Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. WASHINGTON — Two high-ranking Democratic senators are questioning the credentials and financial conflicts of members of an advisory committee established by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that aims to improve and modernize the health care system. In a letter sent Tuesday to Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley, ranking member of the budget committee, and Ron Wyden, ranking member of the finance committee, write that they have “serious concerns” about credibility and conflicts of interest among those on the Healthcare Advisory Committee, which was announced in March. Advertisement At the time, Kennedy and Oz said they had reviewed 400 candidates before settling on 18, including motivational coach Tony Robbins, a venture capitalist who previously worked alongside Kennedy’s son, and a number of health care executives. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Congress, HHS, Policy, RFK Jr., STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Chelsea Cirruzzo Washington Correspondent Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Business July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Hospital chain HCA warns of lower profits as more patients go uninsured Exclusive July 10, 2026 Nominee for key federal health role has a history of questioning vaccines Advertisement Pharma July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: White House reviewing top contenders to lead FDA Exclusive July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: In private meeting, Trump officials push to onshore generic drugmaking Biotech July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Vertex acquires Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion as biotech M&A booms Subscriber Picks