Senator Markey Slams RFK Jr. For Lying to Congress About Promoting Anti-Vaccine Propaganda

Boston (February 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today released the following statement slamming Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. following new document releases indicating that Kennedy lied to Congress during his confirmation hearing about promoting anti-vaccine propaganda.

Newly public emails indicate that Kennedy traveled to Samoa in 2019 to promote unscientific claims about vaccine safety. Kennedy's visit preceded a measles outbreak in Samoa that killed 83 people, mostly young children.

"Today's revelations make clear what we suspected during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing last year: he lied to Congress.

"During his testimony before the HELP Committee last January, I asked Kennedy whether his 2019 trip to Samoa was related to anti-vaccine activism. Twice, he responded that his trip 'had nothing to do with vaccines.'

"We now know that was a lie with deadly consequences. Samoan officials later said that Kennedy's trip bolstered the credibility of anti-vaccine activists in the country ahead of a measles outbreak that sickened thousands and killed dozens of children.

"Now, as HHS Secretary, Kennedy continues to peddle his anti-vaccine conspiracies at a moment when measles outbreaks are erupting across the United States. After over 2,200 measles cases in 2025-the highest number in 34 years-this dangerous disease continues to spread, and the consequences are devastating: United States is on the brink of losing our measles elimination status. Each day Kennedy remains in charge of HHS puts our loved ones further at risk.

"Making false statements to Congress is a federal crime. It is clear that Kennedy's willingness to lie to Congress should have disqualified him from leading HHS. He must be immediately removed as HHS Secretary. The American people deserve a health secretary they can trust-one who tells the truth and puts public health above ideology. Our children's lives depend on it."

Senator Markey has been a fierce opponent of the Trump administration's Make America Sick Agenda. In September, Senator Markey called for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign in response to RFK Jr's irresponsible anti-vaccine rhetoric and dangerous public health policies. Senator Markey has also released a tracker featuring a comprehensive list of Kennedy's dangerous actions since he was confirmed as HHS Secretary in February. Senator Markey opposed Kennedy's nomination to be HHS Secretary.

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