RFK Jr. Denies Undermining Public Health In Fiery Senate Hearing
In fiery congressional testimony Thursday, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disputed claims that he is weakening America’s public-health system and vaccine protections.
Lawmakers from both parties—including several top Republicans—expressed concern, though they differed on what should happen next.
🚨 WSJ OP ED
Earlier Thursday morning, Susan Monarez, whom the White House fired last week from her brief stint as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that Kennedy had asked her "to preapprove the recommendations of a vaccine advisory panel newly filled with people who have publicly expressed antivaccine rhetoric."
Back in June, Kennedy fired and replaced the 17-member CDC vaccine advisory panel. It’s key to approving vaccine schedules for kids.
She wrote that Kennedy is working to undermine vaccines by discrediting research, weakening advisory committees, and using manipulated outcomes to unravel guidelines that have saved lives.
Kennedy denied her claims, as well as those raised by senators and health organizations.
"There is division of opinion," Kennedy said, saying the American Academy of Pediatrics could have a conflict of interest by accepting money from vaccine makers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics rejected Kennedy's claims, calling it “false and misleading" and that less than 4% of its revenue comes from industry sources.
Claims of bias: Throughout the hearing, Kennedy pointed to money from the pharmaceutical industry as a reason lawmakers and/or medical organizations were not agreeing with his approach. However, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) pressed Kennedy over appointing people to a key CDC vaccine advisory panel who have previously been paid to testify against vaccine makers. Kennedy responded that bias is acceptable if it's disclosed.
PRESSURE FROM BOTH SIDES
Several Republican senators — including the party’s second-highest-ranking member, Sen. John Barrasso (WY) — voiced concerns Thursday about Kennedy’s actions on vaccines since taking office.
Barrasso, who is also an orthopedic surgeon, noted that “Americans don’t know who to rely on,” citing recent measles outbreaks, the cutting of $500 million from mRNA vaccine research and CDC leadership upheaval.
“In your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines,” Barrasso said. “Since then, I’ve grown deeply concerned.”
Kennedy defended his approach as pro-science and pro-transparency. “We're going to make it clear, evidence-based and trustworthy for the first time in history,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy referenced the vaccine schedule for kids, claiming there are currently 19 vaccines, with a total of 92 doses. The Cleveland Clinic puts the number of vaccines at 15.
Vaccine experts argue that while there are now more vaccines, today’s immunizations contain fewer antigens (180 vs. 3,000 in the 80s and 90s), the active ingredients that stimulate an immune response. Translation: vaccines are less taxing on the immune system despite the higher number of doses.
THE COVID VACCINES: Cassidy, a doctor and also the key vote in getting RFK Jr. confirmed, also questioned whether HHS’s shifting rules on vaccines are essentially denying people access — especially those most vulnerable.
Late last month, the FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines only for adults 65+ and people with certain medical conditions, while the general public must consult a doctor to get a booster. It has made it increasingly difficult and expensive to get a COVID shot if you don’t fall in the new category.
Cassidy cited a letter from conservative radio host Erick Erickson, whose wife has Stage 4 lung cancer. In the letter, Erickson said his wife could not get the vaccine from CVS. He also read an email from a physician friend who said, "we're all confused and concerned about who can get the Covid vaccine... pharmacists are requiring a prescription now even for people over 65... essentially we're denying people the vaccine."
Kennedy’s response: "You're wrong."
BACK TO THE DIVIDE
Asked afterward if he still supports Kennedy, Barrasso told reporters: “I have confidence in what the president of the United States is doing, and I will not second guess.” Similarly, Cassidy, after the hearing, praised Trump.
Meanwhile, 11 of the 12 Democratic senators on the committee called for his resignation on Thursday, saying he’s endangering Americans with his handling of vaccines. And if Kennedy won’t resign, they say Trump should fire him.