Yesterday marked the first day of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate confirmation hearings, which he will need to succeed in to be confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary.
Before the hearings even began, many observers questioned Kennedy’s ability to be nominated. These problems were compounded when Caroline Kennedy, former ambassador to Australia, RFK’s cousin and former President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, released an open letter to the Senate advising against confirming RFK.
“His birth was the single worst thing that ever happened to our family,” Carolne Kennedy’s letter said.
The hearings got off to a rocky start, starting 30 minutes late, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “RFK to normal human translator” got stuck in traffic. The long wait for the hearings to begin created a tense atmosphere right off the bat.
Once they started, Kennedy gave a long speech to open the hearings. It seemed to be going alright by most metrics until the subject of his past drug abuse came up.
“It’s true, I was addicted to heroin for 14 years, but I can now say I am totally off…uh, the stuff,” Kennedy said with a noticeable bead of sweat beginning to trickle down his forehead. “I’m off that sweet…sweet…black tar heroin. Oh yeah…uh, I need to take a break!”
Kennedy returned after about 10 minutes seeming noticeably more relaxed, which the Senators had no explanation for. He ended his speech with an appeal to bipartisanship.
“I promise to both Democrats and Republicans, I will show no prejudice in guaranteeing you all die of diseases that vaccines at one point wiped out over 50 years ago,” Kennedy said.
After his opening statement, the questions from the senators began. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) asked what relevant experience Kennedy had to lead the department, as he had never held a cabinet-level job before being nominated for this position.
“I had a dream where I was a doctor after passing out during a coke binge,” Kennedy said. “It was great, I cured all sorts of people just by touching them, and I was given all the yummy heroin I wanted as a reward. My fourth-grade teacher was there and I was in my underwear the whole time, but I highly doubt that will happen in real life.”
Democrats were not the only ones grilling Kennedy. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) said Kennedy’s beliefs prevented him from being an effective health leader.
“I heard you say vaccines cause autism and compare Anthony Faucci to Hitler. That was fine and I thought you were on the right track to be confirmed,” Young said. “But then I heard you say you don’t think all women who get abortions burn in Hell for all eternity. Well, that’s where you crossed the line, my friend.”
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) asked Kennedy if he believes healthcare is a human right. Kennedy did not give a straight answer to that question.
“If healthcare is a human right, that puts an undue burden on the poor. If someone smokes cigarettes and gets cancer, with socialized medicine, now everyone has to pay for it,” Kennedy said. “It takes away resources from real health concerns in this country, like for example, from people who do heroin for 14 years and for some reason start to talk like they smoke six packs a day.”
Sanders repeatedly questioned Kennedy on his past anti-vaccine rhetoric. Kennedy said he is “pro-vaccine” and Sanders’ questions were irrelevant to the current situation.
“Senator, I ran for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president last year and I went on to endorse Trump,” Kennedy said. “I think it’s fair to say you should never hold me to my past statements. I mean, if you got any smack I’ll believe whatever you want.”
Veronica Yaag • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:42 pm
I Love the name Kennedy but We can prove they’ll All hold up to JFKs rep. He had flaws to his character morals n actions. Apparently inherited. But we don’t have time for the newly elected to learn from mistakes. Someone one should be a good source n partner for Kennedy .An advisery board of labs techs professors independent groups. Should be open an reachable without hesitation to our new Health Leader.No Personal agendas.