Robert Kennedy FIGHTS BACK Against Anti-Vax Attacks in Explosive Senate Showdown!

Robert F Kennedy Jr attends a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing



Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the nationโ€™s top health official, faced tough questioning from U.S. senators on Wednesday regarding his views on vaccines and abortion. During a tense hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Democratic senators criticized Kennedy for spreading vaccine conspiracy theories, highlighting his previous statements that undermined confidence in vaccines for measles, polio, and Covid-19, as well as his participation in anti-vaccine lawsuits.

Kennedy attempted to address concerns from some Republican senators who have anti-abortion views by reiterating his agreement with Trumpโ€™s assertion that โ€œevery abortion is a tragedy.โ€ He also indicated that he would adhere to the presidentโ€™s stance on the abortion pill, mifepristone.

The three-hour confirmation hearing divided senators, implying that the committee may support his appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position overseeing a budget of $1.8 trillion. Kennedy is scheduled to face another Senate panel for questioning on Thursday.

In his opening statement, which was briefly disrupted by a protester, Kennedy emphasized that he is โ€œnot anti-vaccine or anti-industry,โ€ but rather โ€œpro-safety.โ€ He asserted that all of his children are vaccinated and expressed support for the polio and measles vaccines, stating, โ€œI believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare.โ€

Senator Ron Wyden criticized Kennedy for aligning with conspiracy theories, while Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that children might suffer due to Kennedyโ€™s vaccine-related positions, suggesting that he profits from vaccine safety litigation.

Republican Senators James Lankford and Thom Tillis, who may oppose Kennedyโ€™s nomination, adopted a more diplomatic tone. Kennedy assured Lankford that he would adhere to presidential policies on abortion, while Tillis anticipated a party-line vote on the confirmation.

Kennedy noted that his โ€œMake America Healthy Againโ€ campaign aims to address chronic diseases in the U.S., asserting that these conditions currently cost the nation $4.3 trillion annually.

He also remarked on the label of โ€œconspiracy theoristโ€ that he has faced, claiming it has hindered his ability to challenge powerful interests. Additionally, regarding potential reforms in the food industry, he stated, โ€œI donโ€™t want to take food away from anybody,โ€ affirming that individuals should be able to enjoy their preferred foods.

Kennedy was also questioned by Senator Bill Cassidy about his plans for reforming government-backed Medicare and Medicaid. He clarified that he does not have a comprehensive plan to dismantle these programs.

photo credit: www.ft.com

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Source: USD @ Sun, 23 Feb.