Agency Reform Advocate RFK Jr Pushes for CDC Reboot, While Democrats Urge His Step-Down

In a heated three-hour Senate hearing, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism from Democrats over his decisions regarding vaccines and scientists. The hearing, which occurred a week after Kennedy's appointment, came under blistering fire from Democrats urging him to resign.

The controversy began with Kennedy's decision to fire Sue Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just about a month into her tenure. Monarez's lawyers stated that Kennedy's claims were false and at times, patently ridiculous. Monarez has expressed a willingness to testify under oath.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, criticized Kennedy's cancellation of mRNA grants, while Senator Maggie Hassan accused Kennedy of making things up to scare people about vaccine availability for children. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell called Kennedy a "charlatan" over his attacks on mRNA research.

The hearing also saw Kennedy defend his decisions to fire scientists and overhaul vaccine policies. Kennedy agreed that President Trump should have received a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, but also praised hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, drugs ineffective against Covid-19.

In his opening remarks, Kennedy touted the health department's new focus on chronic disease. However, Kennedy's decisions regarding vaccines have made vaccines a flashpoint in an ever-deepening partisan battle.

In response to Kennedy's actions, a West Coast alliance of California, Washington, and Oregon announced they would make their own vaccine recommendation body to counter Kennedy's influence at the national level. Meanwhile, Monarez accused Kennedy of a "deliberate effort to weaken America's public-health system and vaccine protections" in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

The hearing included shouting matches, with Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, demanding Kennedy be sworn in under oath, accusing him of lying in prior testimony. Senator Kennedy Jr. defended himself, stating that his actions were in the best interest of the American people.

Conservative-leaning Florida announced it would end all immunization requirements, including at schools, further escalating the partisan battle over vaccines. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for all Americans.