“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care,” Kennedy told the Senate Finance Committee.
Republicans did not ask Kennedy about his vaccine views during the first hour of the hearing.
But Democrats homed in, with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon pointing out that Kennedy has previously claimed there's “no safe” vaccine, initiating a back and forth between him and Kennedy. Wyden also quoted from Kennedy's books, which say that parents have been “misled” on the measles vaccine.
“You have spent years pushing conflicting stories about vaccines,” Wyden said.
Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.