RFK Jr. on the Defensive Over His Vaccine Views – NBC Chicago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to be the nation’s top health official is uncertain after a key Republican joined Democrats to raise persistent concerns over the nominee’s deep skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations that prevent deadly diseases.
Cassidy Expresses Concerns
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, ended a three-hour confirmation hearing Thursday by telling Kennedy that he was “struggling” with his nomination and might call him over the weekend, though he did not say how he would vote.
Cassidy, a liver doctor who has regularly encouraged his constituents to vaccinate against COVID-19 and other diseases, implored Kennedy several times to reject theories that vaccines cause diseases like autism. Kennedy’s refusal to do so clearly troubled Cassidy.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Views Jeopardize His Nomination
Kennedy’s vaccine views could jeopardize his standing with a few crucial Republicans and have certainly not helped him win over any votes among Democrats in his bid to become health secretary. If all Democrats reject Kennedy’s nomination, he can only afford to lose three Republican votes.
Kennedy’s Future Uncertain
Kennedy will also have to win over the swing votes of Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell, who have raised concerns about Kennedy and also voted against Trump’s defense secretary nominee.
Trump’s Support Not Guaranteed
Any Republican considering a “no” vote will face a maximum pressure campaign from Trump to line up and confirm his nominees. When others have expressed reservations about supporting nominees, they have met a coordinated campaign of political threats from Trump’s allies. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement has also encouraged followers to overwhelm the inboxes and phone lines of senators who may waffle.
Kennedy’s Background
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer turned public health critic, repeatedly promised senators he is not “anti-vaccine” and that he, in fact, supports inoculations. But Thursday’s Senate health committee hearing questions exposed Kennedy’s deep-seated mistrust in the nation’s vaccine program.
Cassidy’s Plea
Cassidy directly asked Kennedy if he would unequivocally reassure parents that the Hepatitis B and measles vaccines do not cause autism.
Kennedy would not. Instead, he avoided answering directly, saying “if the data is there, I will absolutely do that.”
Senate Hearing Highlights
The hearing saw several senators press Kennedy on his views, with some asking him to clarify his stance on vaccines and others questioning his financial ties to vaccine lawsuits.
Conclusion
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services remains uncertain as concerns over his vaccine views continue to mount. The Senate Finance Committee will ultimately decide how to send Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate floor for a vote.
FAQs
What is the controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine views? Kennedy has expressed skepticism about the safety and efficacy of routine childhood vaccinations, which has raised concerns among health experts and the public.
What is the significance of Sen. Bill Cassidy’s concerns about Kennedy’s nomination? Cassidy’s concerns could be a deciding factor in the Senate’s decision to confirm or reject Kennedy’s nomination.
What are the next steps for Kennedy’s nomination? The Senate Finance Committee will ultimately decide how to send Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate floor for a vote.
How is President Trump involved in Kennedy’s nomination? Trump has backed Kennedy’s nomination and has encouraged his followers to support the former environmental lawyer and public health critic.
