Contentious congressional hearings included disagreements over a wide range of matters, but some solidarity exists between the health secretary and Democrats.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has drawn the ire of Democrats in Congress. Multiple members called on him to resign during his seven-hearing marathon this month on Capitol Hill, and others said he is dangerous because of his skepticism of vaccines they say are established and life-saving.
Not all the exchanges were contentious, though. Republicans largely praised Kennedy, a former Democrat, for his work over the past 14 months, and some Democrats said they support some of Kennedy’s priorities.
| Microplastics |
| Nutrition |
| Advertisements |
| Anti-Fraud Efforts |
| Vaccines |
| Mercury |
Microplastics
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)—before criticizing how the budget proposal calls for cutting 12.5 percent from health agencies and the termination of National Institutes of Health grants—praised Kennedy for trying to tackle the prevalence of small pieces of plastic that have grown more widespread in recent years.
“Let me commend you on your recent efforts to reduce the amount of microplastics in American drinking water,” DeLauro said. “We know there’s a pervasive problem with these contaminants, and I applaud the department’s efforts.”
Small pieces of plastic can cause health issues, according to studies. Ingestion of microplastics can happen through consuming food and water, and even breathing air.
Kennedy and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials announced on April 2 that they plan to investigate microplastics and identify ways to safely remove them from people.
Nutrition
Kennedy and other officials have also repeatedly urged Americans to eat healthier.
In January, they released new dietary guidelines that called for emphasizing protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Officials have also worked to convince companies to remove synthetic dyes from food.
“I just want to thank you for pointing out stuff like the dyes … and food and maybe even looking at the food pyramid,” Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) told Kennedy before decrying proposed cuts to the federal food stamp and women’s support programs. “That’s been a very helpful discussion in terms of your making America healthy again.”
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) told Kennedy he did not agree with administration actions on vaccines, but did align with him on nutrition.
“I think much of what you’re doing around healthy foods and health is right on, dead on,” Pocan said.
