Republican senators are openly criticizing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signaling growing frustration with his overhaul of federal vaccine policy and abrupt leadership changes. While stopping short of demanding his resignation, multiple GOP lawmakers raised concerns during a Senate Finance Committee hearing Thursday.
“I support vaccines. I’m a doctor. Vaccines work,” said Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), blasting Kennedy for breaking promises made during his confirmation. He pointed to a national measles outbreak, the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, and ongoing confusion at key health agencies.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said Kennedy’s actions were “effectively denying people vaccines,” citing a case in which a cancer patient was unable to obtain a shot. Cassidy also highlighted Kennedy’s past litigation with Children’s Health Defense and accused him of contradicting himself on the COVID vaccine and Operation Warp Speed.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) questioned whether Kennedy is “fairly considering other information” or pushing his personal beliefs. He pledged to demand written answers about Kennedy’s staffing cuts, canceled contracts, and claims that scientists had “lied.”
Polls show Kennedy’s approval slipping. An Economist/YouGov poll found just 26% trust his medical advice, while a CBS poll showed 55% disapproval of his job performance.
Despite the backlash, Vice President JD Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Kennedy, saying he is under attack because he is “over the target.”
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