During a congressional hearing on vaccine transparency and health policy, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly accused Democratic Representative Frank Pallone of accepting $2 million from pharmaceutical companies, the highest amount among members of the committee. Kennedy highlighted that 15 years ago, Pallone was an advocate for individuals who suffered injuries from vaccines but has since reversed his stance after receiving substantial financial contributions from the pharmaceutical industry. The confrontation occurred amid heightened tensions, with Pallone reportedly struggling to respond to the allegations. Kennedy also criticized Pallone's support for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), describing it as compromised by pharmaceutical influence. The exchange has drawn attention to the influence of pharmaceutical lobbying on lawmakers involved in vaccine-related legislation and oversight.