WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny Wednesday on Capitol Hill as he sought confirmation for the role of Health and Human Services secretary. During the hearing, Kennedy attempted to address and distance himself from his controversial views on vaccines.

“We have massive health problems in this country that we must face honestly,” Kennedy said, emphasizing his commitment to addressing health issues.

Democrats confronted him multiple times on his prior stances on vaccines, as he told the committee he wasn’t “anti-vaccine” but he was “pro-safety.”

“I support the measles vaccine, I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking those vaccines,” he said during an exchange with Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat.

“Anybody who believes that ought to look at the measles book you wrote saying parents have been misled into believing measles is a deadly disease. That is not true,” Wyden replied.

Kennedy’s position as a Democrat who opposes abortion rights also surfaced as a contentious point, with potential implications for Republican support.

“In 2023 you came to New Hampshire and said, ‘I’m pro-choice.’ I don’t think the government has any business telling people what they can or cannot do with their body,” Sen. Maggie Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, said during questioning.

Kennedy told her and some Republican senators who also brought up his abortion stances that he supported President Donald Trump’s position on abortions.

“Senator, I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy,” Kennedy said.

Despite the controversies, Kennedy’s supporters have rallied behind his commitment to reforming the health care system. The Independent Medical Alliance, a coalition of doctors and health care professionals, has launched a digital ad campaign supporting his nomination.

“What he really cares about is trying to solve the problems that are causing America to not be competitive as a nation. Stats are crazy. We’re 4% of the population. And we take 55% of the drugs that are actually produced in the world. The fact that 6 out of 10 Americans have a chronic condition,” said Dr. Jordan Vaughn, a senior fellow with the alliance.

Kennedy’s hearing marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of contentious sessions on Capitol Hill. He is scheduled for another hearing Thursday, along with two other picks for the administration. Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard, and his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, will also face questions.

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