STAT+: Dems say RFK Jr. has a pattern of failing to answer their questions

STAT PlusPolitics Dems say RFK Jr. has a pattern of failing to answer their questions Kennedy broke a pledge to share a controversial vaccine research contract by last Friday Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Daniel PayneApril 27, 2026 Washington Correspondent Daniel Payne[email protected]Daniel Payne reports on how the health industry and Washington influence and impact each other. He joined STAT in 2025 after covering health care at POLITICO. You can reach Daniel on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — Last week, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) asked health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. whether he would release — by Friday — the contract of a longtime vaccine critic who was hired by the Department of Health and Human Services. “Yeah, I’m happy to,” Kennedy responded.Advertisement But Friday came and went without a response from Kennedy. On Monday, Luján’s office said they plan to follow up with HHS. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. 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, RFK Jr., STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Daniel Payne Washington Correspondent Daniel Payne reports on how the health industry and Washington influence and impact each other. He joined STAT in 2025 after covering health care at POLITICO. You can reach Daniel on Signal at danielp.100. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Health April 27, 2026 Trump administration warns against using federal dollars on fentanyl test strips Health Care Inc. Newsletter April 27, 2026 STAT Plus: An insider reveals the real goals of prior authorization Advertisement Exclusive April 26, 2026 STAT Plus: Doctor, wife of acting U.S. attorney general, appointed to NIH advisory council Biotech April 24, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA to speed up review of three psychedelics as mental health treatments Biotech April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump celebrates closing first round of drug pricing deals, promises more ahead Subscriber Picks