Three Senate Republicans have backed efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a task force responsible for determining which preventive services health insurance companies in the United States must cover for free. The senators argue that the group has become ideologically motivated, leading to health guidelines that prioritize social justice over scientific evidence. This comes as part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives within the federal government, a move that has been supported by President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting what critics call ‘corrupt’ health agencies.
Senator Jim Banks, R-Indiana, expressed concern that the USPSTF’s recent activities, including its December 2023 Health Equity Framework, have strayed from its mission. The framework, which is part of the task force’s efforts to address health disparities, has been heavily criticized for incorporating ‘social justice activism’ and ‘critical race theory’ into its recommendations. Critics argue that this shift risks allowing the task force to exceed its statutory mandate and instead pursue a progressive agenda that may marginalize certain groups or discount universally beneficial health practices. The senators have called for reforms that would align the USPSTF with Trump’s policies on ‘restoring merit-based opportunity’ and ‘ending illegal discrimination.’
The Wall Street Journal reported that Kennedy is considering removing members of the USPSTF board, citing concerns about the group’s increasing focus on DEI initiatives. The proposed changes would aim to ensure that health guidelines are based on ‘evidence-based recommendations’ rather than what critics call ‘radical wokeness.’ However, the American Medical Association has voiced opposition, warning that such reforms could disrupt the task force’s critical role in guiding physicians and ensuring access to clinical preventive services. TheAMA has urged Kennedy to retain the currently appointed members and continue the task force’s long-standing process of regular meetings to maintain its non-partisan approach.