Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. This hearing comes amid significant turmoil within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the recent firing of its director, Susan Monarez, and the resignation of four other top officials. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET.

Kennedy's testimony will focus on President Trump's health care agenda, particularly in light of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent decision to limit access to COVID-19 vaccines. The new guidelines allow only individuals aged 65 and older, or younger people with underlying health conditions, to receive the vaccine. Critics argue this change could hinder access for younger, healthy individuals who wish to get vaccinated.

In the lead-up to the hearing, over 1,000 current and former HHS employees signed an open letter calling for Kennedy's resignation or dismissal. The letter accused him of "endangering the nation's health" and highlighted the upheaval at the CDC, as well as the FDA's controversial decision regarding vaccine approvals.

Senators on the Finance Committee have expressed a mix of support and concern regarding Kennedy's leadership. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has voiced the need for oversight, stating, "I need to know why his actions aren't matching up, or why his words in the confirmation hearing aren't matching up with some of the deeds." Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is seeking assurances from Kennedy that he prioritizes vaccine access.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need for stability within the CDC, noting the rapid turnover in leadership. He stated, "We need stability. He's in charge of the department, and he needs to restore public trust in the CDC."

The recent changes at the CDC have drawn criticism from former directors of the agency, who published an op-ed condemning Kennedy's leadership. They claimed his actions are unprecedented and detrimental to public health, particularly pointing to the firing of Monarez and the replacement of key advisory committee members with individuals who have expressed skepticism about vaccines.

Kennedy is expected to defend his policies and the restructuring efforts at HHS, which he argues are necessary to eliminate bureaucracy and conflicts of interest. He has previously stated his commitment to "Make America Healthy Again" and to restore trust in public health.

As the hearing unfolds, it will likely address the implications of the FDA's recent vaccine policy changes and the upcoming discussions by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This committee is set to review various vaccines, including those for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and measles.

Kennedy's leadership has faced scrutiny since he took office, particularly regarding his approach to vaccine policy. During his confirmation hearings, he asserted his support for vaccines, stating, "I am pro-vaccine. I am going to support the vaccine program. I want kids to be healthy."

The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for public health policy and the future direction of the CDC under Kennedy's leadership.