Summary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the HHS Secretary, spoke before the Senate Finance Committee, defending the firings at the CDC. He criticized the CDC's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and called the changes necessary to restore its reputation. The testimony followed calls for Kennedy's resignation from medical organizations.
Key Facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Kennedy spoke to the Senate Finance Committee about the CDC.
- He claimed CDC policies during COVID-19 were harmful and "nonsensical."
- Kennedy supported the firing of CDC officials to improve the agency's effectiveness.
- He made an unsupported claim about children missing during the Biden administration.
- Over 20 medical groups have asked for Kennedy's resignation.
- Kennedy has previously shown anti-vaccine views and altered U.S. vaccine guidelines.
- He replaced a key panel of medical experts in preparation for the respiratory virus season.
