RFK Jr. Pledges Commitment to Native Healthcare in Senate Hearing

During his recent nomination hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded to key questions from Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, highlighting his deep commitment to improving healthcare for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. His remarks reinforced the need for inclusion in medical research, greater accountability for the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the elevation of a Native health leader within his administration.

Kennedy acknowledged the longstanding healthcare inequities Native communities face, emphasizing his family’s history of advocating for tribal health reform. He affirmed that under his leadership, Native American representation would be prioritized at the highest levels, ensuring meaningful influence over major policy decisions.

When pressed on the exclusion of Native Americans from clinical trials, Kennedy pledged to do everything possible to ensure their inclusion, recognizing the direct impact on the effectiveness of life-saving medicine. Additionally, he committed to finalizing the congressionally mandated FDA guidance on clinical trial diversity, a crucial step toward ensuring Native participation in medical research.

Kennedy expressed openness to reviewing staffing concerns and working to ensure key roles are properly filled. His responses reflect an understanding of the challenges in Native healthcare and a willingness to engage in solutions.

NASP is also encouraged by Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform, which addresses obesity, diabetes, processed foods, and over-medication–issues that disproportionately impact Native American populations. This national conversation resonates deeply with Native communities, where health disparities remain an urgent concern. According to the Indian Health Service (IHS), 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states rely on IHS services (IHS Profile | Fact Sheets). 

AIAN adults report significantly worse health outcomes compared to the general U.S. population, with 19.1% experiencing frequent poor mental health days compared to 13.3% of U.S. adults and 19.3% reporting poor physical health compared to 11.6%. Additionally, AIAN adults face a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy drinking than the national average. (Social Determinants of Health Among American Indians and Alaska Natives and Tribal Communities: 1990–2022) These disparities highlight the urgent need for reform and more decisive healthcare leadership in Native communities.

Of particular interest to NASP is Kennedy’s commitment to appointing a Native healthcare professional to oversee tribal health matters. As Kennedy stated (2:49 timestamp Senate Committee on Finance Hearing to consider the nomination of RFK Jr):

“I spent 20% of my career working on Native issues… My father and uncle were big critics of the Indian Health Service (IHS)–a failure to deliver good health results or healthcare on the reservations. I’m going to bring a Native in for the first time in history into my central office that all the major decisions in my office will… An interviewed candidate, a very, very good candidate… will have a direct impact on all the major offices. One of my priorities…,” interrupted by Senator Lujan.

Ensuring that a Native leader has direct influence over federal healthcare decisions is a significant and promising step forward. NASP recognizes the importance of this dialogue and will continue to advocate for strong Native leadership in federal health policy decisions. Our communities deserve an administration prioritizing tribal sovereignty, healthcare equity, and meaningful consultation.