Democrats and Republicans pushed U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his recent vaccine policies and their stark contrast to President Donald Trump's successful first-term pandemic initiative to speed vaccine development during a combative three-hour Senate hearing.

Washington

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., serving as U.S. Secretary of Health, was sharply criticized by senators during a hearing focused on his vaccine policies. Lawmakers and health officials expressed concern over his decisions to reduce funding for vaccine research, particularly for mRNA vaccines, and to relax government vaccine regulations. Kennedy has also dismissed senior health officials, including the head of the Centers for Disease Control, reportedly over disagreements about vaccine guidelines.

A letter signed by 1,000 current and former Department of Health workers called for Kennedy's resignation, a sentiment echoed by several senators. Protests outside Congress and policy changes in states like Florida, which announced plans to abolish vaccine requirements, underscored the controversy surrounding Kennedy's tenure and approach to public health.

Senators grill RFK Jr. on vaccine policy in combative hearing

You're interrupting me, and, sir, you're a charlatan. Harsh words for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in the opening minutes of his hearing. This is the 21st century. This is the deepest... Over eight months after his controversial appointment as U.S. Secretary of Health, insults continued to fly. It is in the country's best interest that Robert Kennedy step down, and if he doesn't, Donald Trump should fire him before more people are hurt by his reckless disregard for science and the truth. The senators echoed a letter published the day before in which 1,000 current and former Department of Health workers called for Kennedy to resign. As Secretary of Health, Kennedy has slashed funding for vaccine research, especially for the mRNA vaccines widely used during the COVID pandemic. He has also cut back on the government's vaccine regulations and fired top health officials. Most recently, head of the Centers for Disease Control, Susan Menendez. Menendez claims she was dismissed after refusing to endorse unscientific and dangerous guidelines. Kennedy, a champion of the anti-vaccine movement, stands behind his decision. Medicaid will still pay for them. Can you tell the head of the CDC that if she refused to sign off on your changes to the childhood vaccine schedule that she had to resign? No, I told her that she had to resign because I asked her, are you a trustworthy person? And she said no. And it looks like she didn't bend the knee, so you fired her. Look, you are putting America's babies' health at risk, America's seniors' health at risk, all Americans' health at risk, and you should resign. The same concern and anger line the faces of protesters gathered in front of Congress as Kennedy's directives are implemented across the states. On Wednesday, Florida announced it intends to abolish all vaccine requirements.

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Breakdown