Senate hearing transcripts and media reports

RFK Jr. Meets GOP Senators Amid Vaccine Skepticism and Abortion Views for HHS Secretary Role

Dec 16, 2024, 03:39 AM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has begun a series of meetings on Capitol Hill with more than two dozen senators and their staff. His visit, which started on Monday, is part of the confirmation process and is expected to last several days. Kennedy's meetings include discussions with key GOP senators like John Thune, the incoming Senate majority leader, and others such as Bill Hagerty, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Lindsey Graham, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Sen. James Lankford, Sen. Mike Rounds, and Sen. Mitch McConnell. His nomination has stirred controversy due to his past skepticism on vaccines and his views on abortion, which have left some Republicans with questions. Kennedy has moderated his stance on vaccines, promising not to take away vaccines that work for individuals but advocating for more scientific safety studies. His focus on tightening food regulations and addressing America's obesity crisis has garnered some bipartisan support, with Sen. Cory Booker among those expressing approval. The outcome of these meetings could influence his confirmation by the Senate, where his views on vaccines, abortion, and food safety are under scrutiny. Over 75 Nobel Prize winners have urged senators to block his nomination, citing his lack of credentials in medicine, science, and public health.