HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Faces Senate Scrutiny Amid CDC Fallout, Bipartisan Criticism

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a contentious Senate hearing marked by sharp exchanges with both Democrats and Republicans over his leadership and public health policies. Kennedy criticized the CDC's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, blaming the agency for poor outcomes and defending his firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who accused him of politicizing public health. He highlighted alarming trends such as rising chronic diseases and infant mortality in the U.S., challenging longtime lawmakers like Senator Ron Wyden for their inaction. Senate Republicans, including Sens. John Barrasso and Bill Cassidy, expressed growing concerns about vaccine policies following mass firings at the CDC and potential restrictions on vaccine accessibility, fearing setbacks in public health progress. Democrats also confronted Kennedy by referencing his past criticism of President Trump, accusing him of hypocrisy amid his current role in the administration. The hearing underscored deep partisan divides over public health strategy and the future direction of the CDC under Kennedy's leadership.