Robert Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, was criticized during his nomination hearings for his anti-vaccination views.
Kennedy Jr.'s nomination is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee, while the Health Committee will also address the issue on Thursday.
Kennedy stressed during the debate that he was not opposed to vaccination, saying that if elected, he would seek to reduce the rate of chronic diseases and follow Trump's guidelines on abortion.
"I believe vaccines play a critical role in health care. All of my children are vaccinated. We have the highest burden of chronic disease of any country in the world, it's an existential threat," Kennedy Jr. said during the session.
During the hearing, Democratic members of the committee recalled Kennedy Jr.'s previous claims that no vaccine is safe or effective. They also expressed doubts about unproven claims that Covid was intended to attack whites and blacks, and that Lyme disease is a military biological weapon.
Kennedy Jr. drew the attention of the American public with his positions on vaccination, but also on the right to terminate a pregnancy.
The Senate, the upper house of the US Congress, where Republicans have a majority, has not yet rejected the nomination of any candidate proposed by Trump.
However, Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy is expected to be a test of loyalty among Republican members of the Senate - due to his views that have provoked reactions from both conservatives and liberals. He has been labeled a controversial candidate - mainly for spreading misinformation about vaccine safety.
"Kennedy embraced conspiracy theories and the views of quacks and charlatans, especially when it comes to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. He has helped to intensify doubts and discourage parents from saving the lives of their children. He is a man who chases money and influence, even if it means the death of children and endangering people," said Democratic Senator Ron Wyden.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, believes Kennedy Jr.'s views on vaccines are wrong. He pointed out, however, that they had a frank conversation during his time on Capitol Hill, when Kennedy Jr. was trying to secure support for the nomination. Cassidy is one of several Republicans who are undecided about Robert Kennedy Jr.'s nomination.
In addition to opposition due to his views on vaccination, some Republicans believe that Kennedy Jr. is not a suitable candidate due to his support for abortion rights, as well as criticism and opposition to the pharmaceutical industry.
In a document he submitted to the Senate Finance Committee ahead of the hearing, Kennedy indicated that he is not opposed to vaccinations - noting that he believes vaccines play a key role in health care. He said, as Reuters reported, that his children were vaccinated - despite supporting the founding of the anti-vaccination group Children's Health Defense.
Kennedy has previously expressed his views that he wants to contribute to ending chronic diseases, sever ties between American healthcare workers and the pharmaceutical industry, and also that fluoride - a mineral that, as scientifically confirmed, improves oral and dental health - should be eliminated from drinking water.
He criticized the American food industry, claiming that it adds ingredients to food that make citizens unhealthy.
Kennedy needs the support of at least 50 members of the Senate, out of a total of one hundred, which would allow US Vice President J.D. Vance to use his vote to secure the nomination for Robert Kennedy Jr.
If confirmed, Kennedy will lead an agency with more than 80 employees across the US and around the world, and a budget of $1,7 trillion.
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