STAT+: Senate Democrats demand HHS provide records on federal vaccine policy

STAT PlusHealth Senate Democrats demand HHS provide records on federal vaccine policy Inquiry may face long odds for now but keeps focus on Kennedy’s controversial actions Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Daniel PayneJune 18, 2026 Washington Correspondent Daniel Payne[email protected]Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats are opening an inquiry into the Trump administration’s remaking of federal vaccine policy, demanding officials produce records by next week. In a letter to health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. viewed by STAT, Senate Finance Committee Democrats Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Maggie Hassan (N.H.) denounced the changes Kennedy has made to federal vaccine policy, focusing on the remaking of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Last year, Kennedy fired all previous members of ACIP and packed the panel with vaccine-skeptical allies.Advertisement The Democrats requested documents, including records of messages, that could indicate who made and approved the decision to revamp ACIP, the risks that were considered before making the change, and the vetting process for the new members of the committee — saying they want to “assess the legality, decision-making process, and public health consequences” of the committee’s overhaul. 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, public health, RFK Jr., STAT+, Vaccines Submit a correction requestReprints Daniel Payne Washington Correspondent Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Exclusive June 13, 2026 WHO director-general is profoundly concerned after visit to Ebola outbreak area Exclusive June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Private Medicare plans erect barriers to rehab care in pursuit of profit, federal investigators find Advertisement Exclusive May 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Massachusetts sues UnitedHealth, alleging fraud in state’s Medicaid plans for seniors Exclusive May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: 23andMe offers to connect users’ DNA data with medical records Exclusive May 19, 2026 Trump’s cuts to foreign aid are undermining the Ebola response, insiders say Subscriber Picks