Kennedy testifying before the Finance Committee on Wednesday. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
HHS Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced fiery exchanges with Democrats and struggled with policy questions from both sides in his first confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Why it matters: There were few surprises, but the exchanges underscored questions about Kennedy's qualifications ahead of what's expected to be a close vote on advancing the nomination.
What they're saying: Democrats on the Finance panel pressed Kennedy on his vaccine views. "Are you lying to Congress today when you say you are pro vaccine?" asked Ranking Member Ron Wyden, pointing to comments Kennedy has made repeatedly in the past.
- Kennedy again said that he is "not anti-vaccine" but "pro safety."
- Still, he did not renounce a petition he filed with the FDA in 2021 seeking to stop the COVID-19 vaccine.
- "COVID vaccines are inappropriate for 6-year-old children.… That's why I brought that lawsuit," Kennedy said.
- He did say he supports the measles and polio vaccines and would "do nothing" to stop them as HHS secretary.
Between the lines: Sen. Bill Cassidy, a closely watched GOP vote on Kennedy, provoked one of the most telling exchanges with questions about Medicaid and Medicare policy.
- Kennedy stumbled at times, at one point incorrectly stating that the federal government pays the full cost of Medicaid.
- He shed some light on his Medicaid views by criticizing its expansion under the Affordable Care Act, saying it "robbed" the poorest Americans.
- Sen. Thom Tillis had been viewed as a potential swing vote, but he asked supportive questions of Kennedy, starting off by stating: "You came prepared and I'm glad that you did."
The intrigue: On the Democratic side, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has provoked interest as a law school classmate of Kennedy's.
- But the Rhode Island senator had some tough words for Kennedy, calling for a "clear and trustworthy recantation" of what he has said on vaccines.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders has also been a question mark. He found some common ground in his questions with Kennedy, who agreed that the U.S. should not be paying 10 times more than other countries for prescription drugs.
- But Sanders had a fiery exchange with Kennedy over vaccines, displaying photos of baby onesies bearing the logo "unvaxxed, unafraid" that the group Kennedy founded, Children's Health Defense, is selling.
- Facing sharp questioning, Kennedy did not renounce the message, instead saying he no longer controls the group and is "supportive of vaccines."
Of note: There was not much discussion of Medicare drug price negotiation under the IRA, but Kennedy said that "we need lower prices" and referred to an "executive order" on carrying it out. It was not immediately clear what he was referring to.
- CMS did put out a statement on incorporating "lessons learned" in the next round of negotiations.
The bottom line: Kennedy's controversial views mean the Senate floor vote on his nomination will likely be close. More key GOP senators will be on the dais Thursday for a second confirmation hearing with the HELP Committee.
