Key facts
- Four Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The letter questions potential financial benefits from Merck's $50 million Gardasil vaccine settlement.
- Kennedy was an attorney of record in some cases before becoming health secretary.
- Kennedy stated he would transfer his financial interest in vaccine litigation to his son.
- Senators asked if Kennedy's son received his share of Gardasil settlement fees and the amount.
- Kennedy did not commit to recusing himself from decisions involving Gardasil or vaccine litigation policy.
U.S. senators have pressed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from his family's financial ties to a recent $50 million settlement involving Merck's Gardasil vaccine. A letter reviewed by Reuters, sent by four Democratic senators including Elizabeth Warren, asks Kennedy to disclose whether his son received his share of fees from the settlement.
Before assuming his role as health secretary, Kennedy was an attorney involved in litigation against Merck concerning the Gardasil vaccine. He had previously stated an intention to retain a 10% fee from any Gardasil settlement cases he referred to the law firm Wisner Baum, which represented numerous plaintiffs. Following concerns over potential conflicts of interest, Kennedy later said he would transfer his stake to his son. One of Kennedy's sons, Conor, is employed by Wisner Baum.
The senators' letter highlights that Kennedy, as health secretary, oversees agencies that regulate and pay for vaccines, including Merck. They expressed concern that Kennedy's actions as Secretary could financially benefit his family and former employer. The letter requested a response by August 11 and noted that Kennedy had not committed to recusing himself from decisions related to Gardasil or vaccine litigation policy.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Brent Weisner, managing partner at Wisner Baum, stated that neither Kennedy nor his son would receive fees from the Gardasil settlement and suggested senators examine the "revolving door" between industry and federal agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Gardasil for routine immunization in adolescents.