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Jan. 29 (UPI) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday as he seeks confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy, a former Democrat, addressed criticism that he is anti-vaccine, saying this is not true.
“News reports have claimed I’m anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” Kennedy said. “I am pro-safety. I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated. Nor am I the enemy of food producers.”
Democrats on the committee remained unconvinced, continuing to hone in on conspiracy theories Kennedy has espoused and a slew of public statements made on social media, podcasts and other media appearances.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., raised his voice in an exchange with Kennedy over some of his claims. He asked Kennedy if he had said Lyme disease is “highly likely an engineered bioweapon.
“I probably did say that,” Kennedy conceded.
Bennet asked if he said COVID-19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets Black and White people but “spares” Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. Kennedy claimed he was quoting a study from the National Institutes of Health.
The study Kennedy is referring to makes no mention of Chinese people or bioweapons and does not claim it spares or targets anyone by race or ethnicity.
“I want all of our colleagues to hear it, Mr. Kennedy,” Bennet said, raising his voice over Kennedy. “This matters. It doesn’t matter what you come here and say that isn’t true that’s not reflective of what you really believe, that you haven’t said over decade after decade. Unlike other jobs that we’re confirming around this place, this is a job that is life and death. It’s too important for the games you’re playing.”
Along with his COVID-19 stances, Democrats also honed in on his apparent change of position on the topic of abortion. Multiple Democratic senators quoted Kennedy expressing that he believes the decision to have an abortion should be left to the individual, adding that he “does not trust” the government to make any decisions about bodily autonomy.
Kennedy said Wednesday that “every abortion is a tragedy.” While he has not spoken directly on the topic publicly in recent months, he has assured that he will support President Donald Trump‘s agenda. During Wednesday’s hearing he deferred to Trump on other topics, citing the president as “his boss.”
“You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is, do you stand for that value or not?” asked Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. “When was it that you decided to sell out the values you’ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?”
Kennedy again responded with “every abortion is a tragedy.”
“I serve at the pleasure of the president,” Kennedy said.
Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., immediately brought Kennedy’s history of pushing conspiracy theories and speaking out against vaccinations to the forefront. He recounted Kennedy’s visit to Samoa in 2019. During this visit, Kennedy espoused his opposition to vaccinations, preceding a measles outbreak about three months later. Eighty-three people died, including more than 60 children under the age of 4.
“Americans cannot afford to import this experiment to our great nation,” Wyden said.
The committee chair, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said in his opening statement that Kennedy represents a “voice for an inspiring coalition of Americans who are deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our nation.”
“Regardless of political party, everyone in this room shares a common recognition that our current system has fallen short as well as a common desire to make our country healthier,” Crapo said.
Kennedy is among President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees expected to face challenges on the path to confirmation. If confirmed, he will have authority over 13 divisions and 10 agencies in public health and three human services agencies.
The secretary of the department leads the government’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs and the regulation of foods and medicines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health fall under their purview.
While Kennedy has been critical if not in outright opposition of vaccinations, some of his stances remain unclear. He has voiced support for abortion rights but he has walked back his position since ending his presidential campaign and supporting Trump.
After the election, Kennedy pledged to not ban any vaccinations.
More than 24,000 health professionals are not convinced, signing a letter to the U.S. Senate urging senators to oppose Kennedy’s nomination.
“They should look at his record and it will absolutely confirm that he is a danger,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care.
The letter highlights more positions Kennedy has taken that have drawn criticism, including linking school shootings to antidepressants and promoting the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.
“Our patients deserve a Secretary of HHS who upholds the principles of science and public health, focusing on addressing real public health crises facing Americans such as the high cost of prescription drugs, access to care, and the systemic barriers patients face – not someone whose legacy is built on lies and conspiracy theories,” the letter reads.