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As is typical, the character and tone of the questions usually differed relying on which aspect of the political aisle they have been coming from.
Democratic senators largely grilled him on his previous anti-vaccine feedback, his promotion of misinformation on well being points, and his information of the US healthcare system, together with Medicare and Medicaid.
Some Republicans, nonetheless, targeted their questions on Kennedy’s advocacy for eradicating persistent illness in kids and his criticism of the US meals business.
One Republican senator specifically, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, mentioned that Kennedy was the “reply to his prayers,” and that he was “superior”.
Johnson himself has been criticised over anti-vaccine misinformation through the Covid-19 pandemic.
As proceedings ended, Republican Senator and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo gave Kennedy his stamp of approval.
“I feel you might have come via effectively, and need to be confirmed,” he instructed Kennedy.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, however, accused Kennedy of delivering a “phrase salad” and ducking points raised about his previous anti-vaccine remarks.
“I discover your presentation to be each untrustworthy and unprepared,” Wyden mentioned.
Wednesday’s hearing was earlier than the Senate’s finance committee. Kennedy faces a second confirmation hearing on Thursday earlier than the well being, schooling, labour and pensions committee, the place he’ll face extra questions from senators.
The committees will then vote on his nomination earlier than it will possibly cross to the entire Senate for consideration.
