RFK Jr. on the Defensive Over His Vaccine Views
Senator Cassidy Expresses Concerns Over Nomination
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.
Skepticism Over Vaccines
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.
“If there’s any false note, any undermining of a mama’s trust in vaccines, another person will die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Cassidy said.
Risks to Confirmation
The senator, who is up for re-election next year, laid out the dilemma before him, as a doctor who has seen how vaccines can save lives and as a Republican who is aware of Kennedy’s formidable support and wants to help President Donald Trump advance his policies. Cassidy is no stranger to these predicaments and the outcry they might spark — he voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges after his first term in 2021.
Kennedy’s vaccine views could jeopardize his standing with a few crucial Republicans and has 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.
Swing Votes
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.
Confronting the Science
Kennedy 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.
Avoiding Direct Answers
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.”
Facing Criticism
In a rare show of across-the-aisle cooperation, Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, followed up on Cassidy’s line of questioning. Again, Kennedy refused to give a definitive answer.
Conclusion
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services hangs in the balance as concerns over his vaccine views continue to mount. With the Senate Finance Committee yet to decide how to send his nomination to the Senate floor for a vote, Kennedy’s chances of confirmation remain uncertain.
FAQs
* What are the concerns surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine views?
+ Kennedy’s skepticism of routine childhood vaccinations that prevent deadly diseases, specifically his refusal to unequivocally state that the Hepatitis B and measles vaccines do not cause autism.
* How has Senator Bill Cassidy responded to Kennedy’s views?
+ Cassidy has expressed concerns over Kennedy’s vaccine views, stating that they undermine trust in vaccines and could lead to more preventable deaths.
* What are the stakes for Kennedy’s nomination?
+ If all Democrats reject Kennedy’s nomination, he can only afford to lose three Republican votes. He will need to win over swing votes from Republicans like Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell to secure confirmation.
