Entries by Lisa McDonald

Public health sabotaged: RFK Jr. purges nation’s vaccine advisory committee

June 11, 2025 in , /by

June 11, 2025: Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL)  is alarmed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary  Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s removal of all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—a body composed of independent public health experts who were vetted and appointed through a transparent, rigorous process during the previous administration.  ACIP plays a critical role in evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and public health need for vaccines. Its recommendations guide immunization practices for children, seniors, and the general public—including routine vaccines such as the annual flu shot. 

NCL calls on congress to reject CPSC’s budget request 

June 2, 2025 in , /by

June 1, 2025:  Washington, DC – The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposes dramatic restructuring of the agency, reductions in staffing, and decreases in funding in its Fiscal Year 2026 Performance Budget Request to Congress.  The budget recommends that Congress pass legislation transferring the functions of the CPSC to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  The budget also recommends a 10 percent funding cut and 14 percent reduction of staff. 

“Congress just put America last”— NCL slams Senate for undermining clean air, consumer rights

May 22, 2025 in , /by

May 22, 2025: Washington, DC – Today, the United States Senate passed three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that restrict states’ rights to establish robust tailpipe emission standards.  Having passed the House of Representatives, these resolutions will now go to the President’s desk for signature.  

NCL urges FDA and consumers to take action as GLP-1 shortage ends, but “infodemic” continues

May 21, 2025 in , , /by

May 21, 2025: Washington, DC — Despite the end of the GLP-1 shortage and May 22 FDA-issued deadline for companies to stop mass compounding of the products, the National Consumers League (NCL) is concerned that the epidemic of GLP-1 misinformation will continue to confuse consumers with fake products that can put their health at risk. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and consumers have roles to play in responding to the “infodemic.”

DOT’s abandonment of Southwest litigation will leave passengers worse off 

May 19, 2025 in , , /by

May 19, 2025: Washington, DC — Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) quietly dropped its historic lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, which had originally been filed over the carrier’s unrealistic scheduling. The litigation would have been the first time an airline attempted to defend its chronic delays in court.   

158 Advocates Send Letter Opposing Plan to Eliminate the CPSC

May 8, 2025 in , , /by

May 8, 2025: Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, and 156 other product safety advocates sent a letter to Russell Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, expressing their strong opposition to any attempt to eliminate, defund, or weaken the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).