By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced senators on Capitol Hill for his first cabinet confirmation hearing. It was the first hearing for President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
There was some common ground on issues like reforms for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), but overall, support for RFK Jr. among the committee, appeared divided along party lines.
“News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” said Kennedy before being interrupted by protesters early in the hearing.
Despite the interruptions, RFK Jr. fielded a wide array of questions from members on the Senate Finance Committee. Democrats grilled the HHS nominee on topics including abortion and vaccines.
“You also said ‘we need to trust the women to make that choice, because I don’t trust government to make any choices,’ you said that too, right” asked” said Sen. Maggie Hassan (D- NH).
“Yes,” Kennedy replied.
Democrats on the committee, bashed Kennedy several times, accusing him of switching his abortion stance to reflect the President’s.
“I serve at the pleasure of the president. I’m going to implement his policies,” said RFK Jr.
Democrats also pressed hard on Kennedy’s previous remarks challenging the efficacy of certain vaccines.
“I support the measles vaccine. I support polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines,” said Kennedy in an exchange with Sen. Ron Wyden (D- OR).
“Anybody who believes that ought to look at the measles book you wrote saying parents have been misled into believing that measles is a deadly disease. That’s not true,” Wyden replied.
Protesters and supporters of RFK Jr. were inside and outside the hearing room. Some disrupters were placed in handcuffs and escorted away.
“We’re highly concerned about the effect that he can have on the entire population,” said Meghana Rao, an OB/GYN and the immediate past president at Doctors for America. “I’m an obstetrician gynecologist, I’m very concerned that he will harm women’s health,” she added.
“I think he will be very effective in getting us in a position where we’re on a better course,” said Kevin Revell, who traveled from Queens Village, NY to show support for RFK Jr. and his “Make America Health Again” message. “There are certain things that happen, whether they’re chemicals in foods or there are medications that may be forced on people. Those kinds of things, I believe, make America less healthy,” he added.
RFK Jr. will face additional questions tomorrow from senators on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. However, members of the Senate Finance Committee will determine Kennedy’s fate as HHS secretary.
When speaking with reporters after the hearing, Republicans on the finance committee expressed optimism that the nomination will be advanced through committee and to the full Senate for final confirmation.
“I sure hope so. I think so,” said Sen. Ron Johnson (R- WI).
