By IndoUS Tribune Staff

In a sharply worded letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ranking Members Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have raised serious concerns about what they allege is a dangerous politicization of the CDC’s vaccine advisory body under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Following the June 25–26 meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Democratic lawmakers are demanding an urgent briefing with CDC Chief of Staff Matthew Buzzelli by July 17. Their concerns stem from reports that ACIP—once regarded as a science-led, apolitical panel—has been reshaped to advance anti-vaccine narratives and undermine long-established childhood immunization guidelines.

Replacing Experts with Ideologues?

The controversy erupted after Secretary Kennedy allegedly dismissed all 17 prior ACIP members and replaced them with individuals who, according to Garcia and Krishnamoorthi, have promoted anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and medical misinformation. The new panel, at its first official meeting, reportedly refused to endorse certain flu vaccines, cast doubt on combination vaccines for children such as the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella), and failed to vote on COVID-19 booster recommendations for the fall.

“In the United States, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has long served as a trusted, science-driven body guiding vaccine recommendations to protect public health,” the lawmakers wrote. “Secretary Kennedy’s reckless decision… is irresponsible and dangerous.”

Public Health at Risk

Krishnamoorthi and Garcia underscored the serious health and financial implications of these decisions, especially for children.

“These attacks on the independent scientific public health process will make Americans sicker,” they wrote. “Kids will miss more school, medical bills will rise, and tragically, lives will be lost that could have been saved.”

The lawmakers also emphasized that CDC vaccine recommendations guide insurance coverage decisions, both public and private. Undermining these recommendations could restrict access and affordability, especially for vulnerable populations.

They are demanding documents related to the appointment process for the new committee members, as well as full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest among Kennedy’s appointees.

Krishnamoorthi Celebrates Dalai Lama’s Legacy, Condemns CCP Repression

Separately, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), joined Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) in issuing a statement marking the 90th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

“We join with Tibetan Americans and Tibetans around the world in wishing a very happy birthday to His Holiness,” the joint statement read. “He remains a global icon of peace, compassion, and wisdom.”

The bipartisan leaders strongly condemned the CCP’s actions in Tibet, including what they described as “cultural genocide, Orwellian surveillance, and interference in centuries-old Tibetan religious traditions.”

Krishnamoorthi and Moolenaar reiterated that the succession process of the Dalai Lama belongs solely to the Tibetan people, and not the Chinese government. “Beijing must peacefully resolve the Tibet issue in the interest of the Tibetan community,” they added.

A Tense Political Climate

These two developments reflect the broader ideological and geopolitical challenges facing the U.S. — one focused on domestic public health integrity, the other on global human rights and religious freedom.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi continues to position himself as a vocal defender of science, democracy, and international justice—while pressing for accountability both at home and abroad.