Senate Hearing with Health Secretary
WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. strongly defended his policies regarding vaccines and public health issues during a contentious Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday, facing questions from both Republican and Democratic senators.
Kennedy emphasized that he gained significant support during his confirmation process earlier this year and dismissed a powerful vaccine advisory panel. He had been with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for less than a month after his Senate confirmation.
“During my confirmation hearing, I committed to upholding the highest standards for vaccines. This issue has been deeply important to me,” Kennedy stated. He referenced the resurgence of measles and noted concerns from leaders at the National Institutes of Health regarding mRNA vaccines, adding that Americans are feeling lost about where to turn for reliable information.
During the hearing, orthopedic surgeon Senator Barrasso tried to bolster vaccine support, highlighting that vaccination efforts are estimated to have saved 154 million lives globally.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and medical professional, raised several concerns regarding Kennedy’s actions. Cassidy chairs the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and appeared particularly questioning of Kennedy’s stance on the COVID-19 vaccine, suggesting that Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for the rapid development around Operation Warp Speed.
Kennedy agreed, stating that Trump should “absolutely” receive the award, which prompted Cassidy to question Kennedy’s apparent undermining of vaccine development funding as HHS Secretary. Cassidy remarked, “As an attorney, you limit access and then express admiration for Warp Speed? That strikes me as contradictory.” He highlighted the irony of canceling a $500 million contract for mRNA vaccine development, viewing it as a waste and a criticism of Warp Speed’s contributions.
Cassidy questioned the replacement of the entire CDC vaccine advisory board with Kennedy’s appointees. “Bringing in individuals who have actively opposed vaccines could be seen as a conflict of interest,” he argued. Kennedy disagreed, asserting that potential bias was acceptable.
Written Clarification Requested
Senator Tom Tillis from North Carolina asked Kennedy various questions and requested a written clarification on some statements, indicating that there seemed to be inconsistencies with his previous remarks regarding empowering HHS scientists. Tillis emphasized the challenge in reconciling Kennedy’s commitments with subsequent actions, such as firing CDC Director Susan Monares shortly after her confirmation.
Tillis expressed confusion over how Monares, described as a scientifically adept public health expert, could be dismissed just four weeks into her tenure.
Inquiry into CDC Leadership Changes
Senator Rafael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia, also focused on the recent firing of Monares, especially following the CDC shooting incident earlier this summer. Kennedy testified that he never openly criticized Monares after that event; rather, he stated he wanted clarity regarding her stance on the vaccine advisory recommendations.
Warnock confronted Kennedy about his remarks regarding the CDC, questioning whether he labeled it as the “most corrupt federal agency.” Kennedy clarified he meant it was “the most corrupt institution within HHS and perhaps the government.” Warnock concluded by expressing concern that Kennedy’s beliefs represented a threat to public health, citing alarming increases in measles cases under his administration.
Questions on Medication Abortion
Multiple senators, including Republicans James Lankford of Oklahoma and Steve Daines of Montana, raised questions about Mifepristone, a medication used in abortions. Kennedy noted he recently spoke with FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry about ongoing studies related to the drug but admitted he wasn’t fully briefed on their status.
Mifepristone was first approved by the FDA in 2000 and has undergone updated guidelines since. Currently, it is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and can be prescribed remotely. In 2023, medication abortions constituted about 64% of all abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
The Supreme Court declined to impose restrictions on Mifepristone last year, despite challenges from anti-abortion groups. Judge Brett Kavanaugh referenced the long-standing protections enjoyed by physicians who oppose abortion ethically.
Many medical organizations have affirmed the safety and efficacy of Mifepristone, stressing a minimal risk of severe complications.
