RFK Jr defends leadership as lawmakers grill him on vaccines

Robert F Kennedy Jr defended his management of American health agencies on Thursday at a fiery hearing, while legislators have toasted him on his vaccination policies and other scanning agency changes.

For three hours of testimony, the Democrats accused the Secretary in the United States of health of lying and restricting the access of Americans to vaccines, while several Republican senators have also raised concerns.

The hearing occurs a week after Kennedy dismissed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States in a confrontation on his vaccination policies.

Since he took the bar at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (HHS) in February, Kennedy has brought a number of changes that have alarmed health experts.

In June, he dismissed all members of a panel of independent vaccines that issues recommendations for vaccinations.

Public health experts have raised concerns about the qualifications of members – several of which are criticism of vaccinations – appointed in their place.

In an editorial of the Wall Street Journal published on Thursday, Susan Monarez, the former CDC chief, said that she had been dismissed because she had refused recommendations for vaccine against the rubber of the panel.

During the hearing on Thursday, the classification member of the Senate Finance Committee, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, pressed Kennedy on his accusation.

The secretary of health denied him, saying that he had told Ms. Monarez to resign after having asked her if she was a “trustworthy” person. He said she replied “no”.

The Vaccines Advisory Committee was one of the many Kennedy policy changes that the legislators discussed during the hearing, leading to clashes.

While Senator Maggie Hassan accused the Secretary of Health of having restricted access to the vaccines, Kennedy replied with anger: “You simply invent things.”

“Sometimes when you have an accusation, it’s a kind of confession, Mr. Kennedy,” said Hassan.

The legislators repeatedly questioned Kennedy about his position on the COVVI-19 vaccine, including Senator Mark Warner, who asked the Head of Health how many lives had saved during the pandemic.

Kennedy said he did not know because of the “data chaos” as part of the Biden administration.

“You had this work for eight months and you do not know the data to find out if the vaccines saved lives?” Warner asked.

Kennedy later said that the vaccine had saved “not bad”.

The Republicans took a more measured tone with Kennedy, some praising his leadership and others asking him to clarify what they have described as contradictory remarks.

Senator Thom Tillis – who said before the hearing he planned to ask Kennedy why his actions “are accompanied” by his promises – gave him a list of questions to answer later.

The republican legislator noted that Kennedy had accused some scientists of lying in his responses during the hearing.

“I would just like to see scientific evidence,” he said.

The most difficult republican interrogation came from Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor who gave a key vote to confirm Kennedy only after he gave him assurances that he would support several American vaccination policies.

Cassidy pressed Kennedy on his position on COVVI-19 vaccinations, accusing him of having restricted access to fire due to contradictory recommendations of health agencies.

Under the supervision of Kennedy, the United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved a series of booster blows covers for fewer groups – only for adults 65 and over and people with medical conditions.

“Indeed, we refuse vaccines to people,” said Cassidy.

“You are mistaken,” replied Kennedy.

Kennedy’s hearing occurs a week after having dismissed 600 CDC employees in addition to Ms. Monarez.

A few weeks ago, a shooter fired 500 laps at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, killing a police officer. Investigators say that the shooter blamed the COVVI-19 vaccine for making it suicidal.

Subsequently, hundreds of HHS officials wrote a letter to Kennedy, accusing him of fueling the distrust of public health officials by distributing disinformation.

They highlighted his statements on vaccines, including COVVI-19 shooting and measles vaccination.

This year, the United States has seen its worst measles epidemic for decades.

While Kennedy approved the vaccine as the best way to prevent the spread of measles, he also made false declarations on safety and efficiency of the blow.