A Combative Senate Showdown
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced sharp questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during a raucous three-hour Senate hearing on Thursday. The debate centered on vaccines and COVID policy, with lawmakers pressing him on controversial decisions, including the firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez.
Kennedy, known for his skepticism of vaccine policy, defended his choices but also sparked frustration on both sides of the aisle.
Vaccine Policy Under Fire
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, praised former President Donald Trump’s efforts to speed COVID vaccine development in 2020. He then challenged Kennedy on his shifting stance. Cassidy asked if Kennedy agreed vaccines saved lives, pointing to Trump’s initiative as Nobel Prize–worthy.
Kennedy initially avoided a clear endorsement but later admitted vaccines did prevent deaths, though he refused to quantify how many.
Democrats, including Senator Maria Cantwell, presented data showing vaccines reduced diseases like measles by more than 99 percent. “The history on vaccines is very clear,” Cantwell said, highlighting their proven success.
CDC Leadership Shake-Up
A major flashpoint was Kennedy’s dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, just one month after appointing her. Kennedy accused Monarez of lying, while Monarez argued her firing was politically motivated. She claimed she was pressured to pre-approve vaccine policies she believed contradicted scientific evidence.
Her removal triggered resignations from four senior CDC officials, intensifying criticism that Kennedy has undermined vaccine standards by replacing experts with vaccine skeptics.
Republican Senator John Barrasso voiced concern: “Since your confirmation, I’ve grown deeply concerned. The public is watching outbreaks while agency leadership crumbles.”
Heated Exchanges With Democrats
Kennedy’s reluctance to acknowledge that one million Americans died from COVID drew anger from Democratic Senator Mark Warner. “How can a health secretary of eight months be that ignorant?” Warner pressed after Kennedy downplayed official numbers.
Kennedy countered by accusing the CDC of misleading Americans about mask guidance, boosters, and transmission. He insisted structural reform was necessary: “I need to fire some of those people and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Calls for Resignation Grow
Criticism of Kennedy has mounted. Senator Ron Wyden demanded his resignation, echoing calls from over 1,000 current and former health workers. Lawmakers also condemned his decision to cut $500 million in funding for mRNA research, a move seen as undermining future vaccine innovation.
Even Cassidy, who supported Kennedy’s confirmation after assurances he wouldn’t interfere in vaccine policy, now questions whether oversight of his actions is urgently needed.
The Bigger Picture
This fiery hearing revealed the deep divisions over vaccines, public health policy, and trust in institutions. While Kennedy maintains he is reforming a broken system, both parties expressed doubts about his leadership.
Whether he can hold onto his position—or whether the mounting pressure will force his resignation—remains to be seen.
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