5 Takeaways From RFK Jr.’s Senate Hearing for HHS Secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance for his first confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Jan. 29.
Kennedy, who ran for president as a Democrat and then an independent before ending his White House bid and backing Trump in August 2024, entered the chamber to applause from supporters in the audience and shook hands with lawmakers before taking a seat.
The hearing showcased a sharp division between the parties over Kennedy’s views. Most Republicans praised Kennedy for his past advocacy work and his emphasis on addressing the nation’s chronic disease epidemic, while Democrats criticized the founder of the Children’s Health Defense for his stance on vaccine efficacy.
Democrats and Republicans on the panel also questioned Kennedy on his abortion views.
Fighting chronic disease, improving children’s health, and addressing corporate influence on government agencies have been vital parts of Kennedy’s platform.
If confirmed, he would head a department that manages 13 agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health.
Kennedy will appear at another hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Jan. 30, but only the Senate Committee on Finance will vote on whether to advance him to a full Senate floor vote.
Kennedy must get a simple majority to gain confirmation. Republicans hold a 53–47 majority in the chamber.
1. Questioning Vaccine Stance
In his opening statement, Kennedy said: “Reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry.
“I am neither; I am pro-safety.
“I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish, and nobody called me anti-fish.
“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care. All of my kids are vaccinated.”
Kennedy engaged in a heated exchange with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, when Wyden asked the nominee about his view on the measles vaccine.
