Senate Finance Committee Grills HHS Secretary Kennedy on Vaccine Access, Leadership Amid Resignation Calls

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny during a Senate Finance Committee hearing amid growing controversy over his management of vaccine policies and the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez. Senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, challenged Kennedy on the removal of the COVID booster recommendation, reduced vaccine access, and the opacity surrounding federal health agencies under his leadership. Warren pressed Kennedy on his assurances regarding vaccine availability and questioned the rationale behind Monarez's dismissal, highlighting inconsistencies in his public statements. Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism and policy reversals have drawn criticism from medical professionals and HHS employees, with over 1,000 staff members calling for his resignation and former CDC heads labeling his views as dangerous. The hearing also addressed President Donald Trump's healthcare agenda, with committee members like Senator Maria Cantwell expected to question Kennedy on broader health system goals. Concerns persist about the potential public health impact of Kennedy’s controversial decisions during a period marked by outbreaks of diseases like measles in parts of the U.S.