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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing as President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services. During the contentious hearing, Mr. Kennedy defended himself against accusations of being anti-vaccine and a conspiracy theorist, asserting that vaccines are crucial for healthcare and that his positions have been misconstrued.
Democrats on the committee strongly opposed his nomination, with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse stating that Mr. Kennedy “frightens people.” Mr. Kennedy countered that former Democratic allies have turned against him due to partisan opposition to Mr. Trump. He promised not to block access to childhood vaccines and emphasized his support for “good science.”
The hearing addressed multiple controversies, including Mr. Kennedy’s past statements about vaccines and his leadership of Children’s Health Defense, which sells anti-vaccine merchandise. When questioned about previous controversial statements, including claims about Lyme disease being a potential bioweapon, Mr. Kennedy acknowledged making such remarks.
Republican supporters, including Finance Chairman Mike Crapo, praised Mr. Kennedy’s potential to improve the U.S. healthcare system. However, key Republican votes remain uncertain, with Sen. Bill Cassidy expressing concern over Mr. Kennedy’s vague answers about Medicaid reform.
Mr. Kennedy’s family members, including his cousin Caroline Kennedy, have opposed his nomination, describing him as a “predator” who discouraged vaccination despite having his own children immunized. The hearing also covered other healthcare issues, including addiction services, child migrant protection, and PEPFAR support.
The nominee faced scrutiny over his financial ties to pharmaceutical litigation, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren questioning his $2.5 million in referral fees from a law firm specializing in drug-injury cases. Mr. Kennedy refused to commit to avoiding compensation from pharmaceutical lawsuits during and after his potential service.
Read more: RFK Jr. vows to protect vaccine access, says U.S. faces ruin if it doesn’t get healthier
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
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