Senate Democrats have asked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to explain whether his family or former associates could profit from proposed changes to the federal system for compensating vaccine injuries. They argue that the issue raises potential conflicts of interest, particularly because Kennedy has previously had financial links to litigation concerning Gardasil, the HPV vaccine.

The senators’ letter was signed by Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Richard Blumenthal and Angela Alsobrooks, and also sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi. They cited reports that the administration may alter the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and noted that Kennedy transferred his interest in Gardasil-related civil litigation to his son; the law firm involved is also pursuing Gardasil claims through the compensation programme.