Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense bipartisan scrutiny Thursday during a combative Senate Finance Committee hearing, as lawmakers questioned his department’s recent actions, including the firing of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, efforts to restrict vaccine access, and the cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research. The session unfolded amid a “growing storm” engulfing HHS, prompting concern from both Republican and Democratic senators.
Senators Attempt to Pit Kennedy Against President Trump
Both Republican and Democratic senators employed a tactic to frame Secretary Kennedy’s actions as potentially undermining President Trump and the successes of Operation Warp Speed, President Trump’s COVID-19 vaccine program. This approach appeared designed to prompt intervention from President Trump.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who was crucial to Kennedy’s confirmation but has since expressed alarm, initiated this line of questioning. After Kennedy affirmed President Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, Cassidy highlighted Kennedy’s past criticisms of Warp Speed-produced vaccines and his department’s recent moves to limit vaccine access and cancel mRNA vaccine development contracts. Kennedy’s refusal to quantify the lives saved by Warp Speed, stating only “I don’t know if it saved a million lives” but “quite a few,” was noted as a potential point of contention with President Trump’s repeated emphasis on the program’s impact.
Republicans Express Broader Concerns
Beyond Senator Cassidy, other Republican senators also voiced reservations about Kennedy’s vaccine policies, albeit some more subtly. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, cited recent measles outbreaks in areas with low vaccination rates. He also drew a historical parallel, suggesting Secretary Kennedy consider George Washington’s reversal to support smallpox vaccinations for soldiers.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) repeatedly indicated that Secretary Kennedy’s actions on vaccines might have violated promises made during his confirmation hearings, adding to the bipartisan pressure.
Kennedy’s Combative Demeanor
A striking aspect of the hearing was Secretary Kennedy’s confrontational style. He accused Democratic committee members of “making stuff up,” told one senator, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” and described another’s remarks as “talking gibberish.” This combative posture was pervasive throughout his testimony.
Questions Over Vaccine Access Promises
A central policy question revolved around Secretary Kennedy’s pledge during his January confirmation hearings: “I will do nothing as HHS Secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines.” However, his department’s recent actions have seemingly jeopardized access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Under intense questioning, particularly from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kennedy walked a fine line. He ultimately suggested that as long as vaccines were still available in some form, his promise was upheld. “I’m not taking vaccines away from anybody,” Kennedy asserted, adding, “You can still get Covid vaccines, senator.”
Next Steps and Unresolved Accusations
An early exchange in the hearing is expected to draw further attention. Secretary Kennedy not only denied claims made by the recently ousted CDC Director, Dr. Susan Monarez, but accused her of lying, stating, “I did not say that to her” repeatedly. It remains to be seen if another congressional committee will launch a deeper investigation into these conflicting accounts.
The hearing underscored the significant challenges facing Secretary Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding vaccine policy, departmental leadership, and the Secretary’s promises regarding public health access.
