The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s November meeting has been postponed amid the government shutdown, HHS confirmed to The Hill.
The task force, which typically meets three times a year, has not formally convened since March. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly canceled a July meeting where the advisory group was expected to discuss heart disease recommendations, according to the report.
“The USPSTF’s November meeting has been postponed due to the Democrat-led shutdown. The Trump administration is committed to reopening the government so meetings like this one can occur,” an HHS spokesperson told The Hill. “The Secretary looks forward to working with the USPSTF to Make America Healthy Again.”
The task force is made up of 16 health experts who advise the federal government on preventive care. The panel has issued about 100 recommendations on health screenings, counseling and preventive medication, many of which insurers must cover at no cost to patients.
In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Mr. Kennedy considered removing task force members, saying they were “too woke,” though no removals have taken place.
