Robert F. Kennedy’s Troubled Nomination Faces Another Day of Grilling
Robert F. Kennedy, nominated to become the United States’ top health official, is expected to face a tough second day of questioning before the Senate committee on Thursday morning. Kennedy’s bruising performance in the confirmation hearing on Wednesday, in which he struggled with basic facts about Medicare and Medicaid, left lawmakers skeptical about his ability to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
On Wednesday, Republican chair Bill Cassidy pressed Kennedy on his understanding of the healthcare system, and Democrat Bernie Sanders grilled him over anti-vaccine merchandise sold by his former organization. Other Democrats, including Senators Michael Bennet and Ron Wyden, criticized Kennedy for “peddling half-truths” and contradictory statements about vaccines.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked unprecedented opposition from the medical community, with over 15,000 medical professionals and 75 Nobel laureates speaking out against his confirmation. Despite claiming to support vaccines, Kennedy’s history of controversial statements, including claims that “no vaccine is safe and effective,” is likely to face further scrutiny. As senators weigh Kennedy’s fitness to lead the country’s public health system, he must navigate the political firestorm surrounding his nomination.