Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday. The session focused on recent upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kennedy's controversial vaccine policies. Over the course of three hours, Kennedy clashed with both Democratic and Republican senators, defending his actions amid significant scrutiny.

Kennedy's testimony followed the ousting of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who was removed after just 29 days in office. This decision led to the resignation of four other officials in protest. During the hearing, Kennedy described the changes at the CDC as necessary to restore the agency's credibility. He stated, "We are the sickest country in the world. That’s why we have to fire people at the CDC. They did not do their job."

Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, questioned Kennedy about Monarez's claims that he pressured her to approve vaccine recommendations without proper scientific backing. Kennedy denied the allegations, asserting, "No, I did not. So, she's lying today to the American people in The Wall Street Journal." This exchange highlighted the conflicting narratives surrounding Monarez's departure.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, challenged Kennedy on his shifting stance regarding Monarez, noting that he had previously called her "unimpeachable". She asked, "And in a month, she became a liar?" Kennedy responded that he asked Monarez if she was trustworthy, to which she allegedly replied, "No."

Republican senators also expressed concerns about Kennedy's handling of vaccine policies. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who initially supported Kennedy's nomination, questioned him about the implications of his decisions on COVID-19 vaccine access. Cassidy stated, "I would say, effectively, we're denying people vaccines," referring to the confusion surrounding eligibility and access.

Kennedy defended his approach, claiming that any confusion regarding vaccine access was not his fault. He insisted that "everybody can get access" to the vaccines, although he acknowledged that it depends on state regulations. This statement came amid reports that the FDA's recent changes to vaccine approvals could complicate access for younger, healthy individuals.

The hearing also featured heated exchanges with other senators. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado accused Kennedy of creating confusion for ideological reasons, while Kennedy countered by suggesting Bennet was influenced by pharmaceutical companies. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington labeled Kennedy a "charlatan" for his stance on mRNA vaccines and funding cuts.

Throughout the hearing, Kennedy reiterated his skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccines, claiming they pose risks, particularly to young people. He cited cases of myocarditis but did not mention their rarity. Kennedy's remarks have drawn criticism from public health experts who argue that his views undermine vaccine confidence.

As the hearing concluded, Kennedy's contentious exchanges with lawmakers underscored the ongoing debate over vaccine policy and public health leadership in the U.S. The fallout from the hearing may have lasting implications for Kennedy's tenure as HHS secretary and the CDC's future direction.