HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grilled by senators over vaccines, CDC firings, and pandemic policies

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced sharp questioning from senators on both sides of the aisle during a heated hearing on Capitol Hill

(NBC)- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced sharp questioning from senators on both sides of the aisle during a heated hearing on Capitol Hill, much of it focused on his controversial moves at the nation’s top public health agencies — especially on vaccines.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, himself a physician, raised concerns about new restrictions limiting COVID vaccine approvals to only older and high-risk Americans. He noted pharmacies are now requiring prescriptions in many states, or not offering the shots at all. “I would say, effectively, we’re denying people vaccine,” Cassidy said.

Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, defended his policy decisions — including the firing of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez after just one month on the job.

“It looks like she didn’t bend the knee, so you fired her,” charged Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

“We are the sickest country in the world — that’s why we fire people at CDC. They did not do their job,” Kennedy responded.

The secretary has also replaced members of a key vaccine advisory committee with vaccine skeptics and canceled several mRNA vaccine contracts. That drew further criticism, even from Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming: “Americans don’t know who to rely on.”

Kennedy insisted the CDC made critical mistakes during the pandemic. “Its disastrous, nonsensical policies destroyed small businesses, violated civil liberties,” he said. But when pressed, he could not answer how many Americans died from COVID.

Despite the clashes, Kennedy continues to receive the backing of President Trump.