5 Big Issues Aired at RFK Jr.’s Hearing to Head HHS

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a barrage of hostile questions Wednesday from Senate Democrats at his confirmation hearing to be the next secretary of Health and Human Services. 

In his opening statement, Kennedy told the Senate Finance Committee that he had gotten on his knees and prayed to God to help him end America’s chronic disease epidemic. His nomination to lead HHS was an answered prayer.

Throughout the hearing, Kennedy likened the health crisis in the country to a sinking ship, and the scion of the prominent political family thanked his supporters, including “Make America Healthy Again” moms who have brought renewed attention to the situation. How Kennedy is preparing to address that crisis if confirmed was discussed at Wednesday morning’s hearing.

1. On Health Crisis in US 

In a lighter moment during the hearing, the son of 1960s-era Attorney General Robert Kennedy made clear that he would not be banning President Donald Trump’s favorite foods.

“If you like a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a Diet Coke … you should be able to get them,” Kennedy told the committee.

The HHS nominee talked at length about the unhealthy food being fed to American children. “We have a direct ability to change things there,” he said, referring to federal funding of programs that go to unhealthy foods. Kennedy mentioned the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—food stamps—as an example.

He then waxed a bit philosophical. “A healthy person has a thousand dreams. A sick person has only one,” he said.

The nominee also discussed the statistics of American children and adults on mental health medications, such as Adderall, benzodiazepines (like Xanax), and SSRIs (like Prozac), contending that the United States has an overmedication problem. “15 percent of American youth are now on Adderall or some other [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder] medications, even higher percentages are on SSRIs and benzos,” Kennedy said at the hearing.

The former law professor also committed to helping find the illegal alien children that the Biden administration lost track of after they crossed the border. 

2. On Vaccines

After getting bombarded with questions about his past advocacy regarding vaccines, Kennedy articulated his position on the issue.

“I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine,” he said, noting that his own children were vaccinated.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., confronted Kennedy with pictures of onesies with the words “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” and “No vax. No problem” on them that are being sold by Children’s Health Defense, an organization the nominee once chaired. Kennedy noted that he had no control over the organization anymore.

3. On Government Accountability

Kennedy also promised transparency when it comes to government-funded health care and health-related research. He cited transparency, accountability, and access as his goals in leading the Department of Health and Human Services.

“If Congress asks me for information, you will get it immediately,” he said.

The nominee also advocated for a total review of government employees at the Department of Health and Human Services.

“I will commit to not firing anyone who is doing their job,” he retorted in an exchange with Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.

4. On the Life Issues

Kennedy discussed at length the issue of abortion, and he noted that he comes from a family split on the issue.

“We were able to have those conversations and respect each other, and I wish we could do that nationally,” he said.

Kennedy reiterated several times that every abortion was a tragedy. When it came to the issue of mifepristone, Kennedy noted that the Trump administration had not yet released a position on the abortion pill, but that Americans need to understand the safety risks of every drug.

On the issue of stem cell research, Kennedy noted that he supported it, but added a caveat that it can be done without fetal tissue.

The nominee also committed to supporting the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). “I absolutely support PEPFAR, and I will happily work with you to strengthen the program,” he told Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. 

5. On Health Care as a Human Right

Sanders asked whether Kennedy thought health care was a human right. He replied by noting the complexities around the issue.

“In health care, if you smoke cigarettes for 20 years and you get cancer, you are now taking from the pool,” the nominee said. He also noted that he agreed in principle with ending the disparity in drug prices between the United States and Europe. 

Kennedy appeared prepared for what senators were likely to bring up about his past statements. More than a few times, the Senate committee audience chuckled or cheered in response to his answers.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., told the hearing that he had been a fellow at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights after graduating from college, illustrating just how impactful the Kennedy family has been on politics for generations. 

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