Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee, where committee members grilled him about the firing of high-level U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials and his controversial stance on vaccines.
In response to his testimony, Jill Rosenthal, director of public health policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Secretary Kennedy made it clear today that he plans to continue threatening the health of Americans. During his testimony, he insulted the credibility of scientists and doctors, perpetuated false information about autism and Medicaid access, and lied about how his actions will limit parental choice in receiving childhood vaccines. Disturbingly, he also punted on answering pointed questions about how his sweeping policy changes will affect access to lifesaving medications such as cancer treatment.
Multiple senators rightfully called for his removal. Secretary Kennedy’s remarks and actions reveal that he cannot fulfill his agency’s mission to improve and protect the health and well-being of all Americans.
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