5 key takeaways from Kennedy's combative second hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, sat through his second Senate confirmation hearing in as many days on Thursday, with his chances of being confirmed appearing less certain by the end.
Democrats on the the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee once again hammered Kennedy for promoting misinformation about vaccines, and his refusal to back down from those positions seemed to bother even some Republicans on the panel.
Kennedy was also asked about his stance on GLP-1 drugs and emergency abortion access, while again conveying a shaky grasp on the agencies he would oversee.
Here are 5 key takeaways:
Cassidy homes in on vaccines and autism
Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, made it clear he had “reservations” about Kennedy’s beliefs on vaccines causing autism and his long-documented skepticism on their efficacy.
The Louisiana senator was looking for some reassurance from Kennedy on this issue, but the HHS nominee offered little to quell Cassidy’s concerns.
In both his opening and closing remarks, Cassidy recalled a former patient, an 18-year-old woman, who was suffering from hepatitis B-induced liver failure that could have been prevented by a vaccine.
“Since then, I try to do everything I can to make sure I never have to speak to another parent about their child dying due to a vaccine preventable disease,” Cassidy said.
“As a physician who's been involved in immunization programs, I've seen the benefits of vaccinations. I know they save lives,” he added. “I know they're a crucial part of keeping our nation healthy.”
Kennedy said he would change his beliefs if presented with data proving him wrong, saying he would go as far as to “apologize for any statements that misled people.” Toward the end of the hearing, Cassidy presented Kennedy with a © The Hill
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