U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to declare a public health emergency over the growing measles outbreak.
In a letter to Kennedy, the New York Democrat notes that there have been more measles cases this year since the virus was declared eliminated 25 years ago. He blames Kennedy for allowing an outbreak in Texas to get out of control.
Schumer is calling for the Secretary to lead a federal, state and local response that includes support for measles vaccinations in order to stop the spread.