Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for his first confirmation hearing as nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. His nomination has drawn criticism from both parties, and the hearing provided a platform to address key concerns.
Kennedy, long criticized for his stance on vaccines, insisted he is "pro-safety" rather than anti-vaccine. However, Democrats challenged him on past statements, including a claim that “no vaccine is safe and effective.” Kennedy defended his position, asserting support for measles and polio vaccines and vowing not to discourage vaccination.
He also faced bipartisan scrutiny over his shifting stance on abortion. He previously supported abortion at full term but later revised his position, stating it should be restricted after a certain point. Aligning with Trump, he emphasized that abortion policy should be left to states and noted Trump had asked him to study the abortion pill mifepristone.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., questioned Kennedy’s claim that Medicaid premiums and deductibles are too high, pointing out that most Medicaid recipients don’t pay them. Cassidy, a key figure in Kennedy’s confirmation process, has yet to announce his vote.
Kennedy’s hearing did little to win over Democrats, but no Republican senators have publicly opposed him. With a slim margin for confirmation, his fate may hinge on a few undecided votes. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., signaled tentative support, saying Kennedy’s testimony had not changed his “lean yes” stance.
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