WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, along with New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, were among lawmakers Wednesday from both parties grilling Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick for health secretary.
In a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy struggled to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid programs that affect tens of millions of Americans or to distance himself from previous comments disparaging vaccines.
Sanders pointed out that the Children’s Health Defense, an organization Kennedy founded, continues to sell onesies for babies with anti-vaccination messages. “They are selling what’s called onesies, these little things — clothing for babies. One of them is titled ‘Unvaxed, Unafraid’ and they sold for $26 bucks by the way. The next one is ‘No Vax, No Problem.’ Now you’re coming before this committee and you say you’re pro-vaccine — just wanna ask some questions — and yet your organization is making money selling a child’s product to parents for $26 bucks which casts fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines,” Sanders said.
Kennedy responded that he no longer is associated with the organization and that he is “supportive of vaccines.”
Sen. Hassan called Kennedy out about his shifting stance on abortion since joining the Trump team. “Exactly when did you decide to sell out your life’s work and values to get this position?” Hassan said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Senator, I agree with President Trump, every abortion is a tragedy.
Sen. Maggie Hassan: So what you’re telling us, just to be clear, because my time is limited, is that regardless of what you believe, regardless of what values you have, if President Trump tells you to do something, you’re going to do it?
Sen. Welch questioned Kennedy’s basic qualifications to lead a department that oversees such critical agencies as the CDC, FDA, and NIH. “This is not just about a debate about vaccines. It’s a debate about the qualifications, experience, and priorities as to the person that will head Health and Human Services,” Welch said. “The question I fundamentally have is whether your willingness to disrupt and maybe break rules is going to be dangerous and destructive.”
GOP Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis also expressed skepticism over some of Kennedy’s responses.