US Health Secretary Kennedy Faces Senate Scrutiny Over CDC Overhaul, Vaccine Policy Turmoil

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee amid intense scrutiny over his controversial overhaul of vaccine policies and leadership changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy's actions included the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who resisted his vaccine policy changes, and the dismissal of the entire 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, many replaced by vaccine skeptics. These moves have sparked resignations among senior CDC officials and calls from over 1,000 current and former health employees for Kennedy's resignation, citing concerns about undermining scientific standards and public health safeguards. Kennedy defended his decisions by blaming the CDC's COVID-19 response failures and asserting these changes were necessary to restore the agency's mission. The upheaval has raised bipartisan concern, with senators like Ron Wyden and Bill Cassidy demanding oversight and clarity on vaccine policies, while the CDC's budget and morale have been severely impacted. Despite the backlash and calls for resignation, Kennedy remains steadfast in his approach, prompting significant debate over the future direction of U.S. health policy.