An exchange between Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. devolved into shouting on Wednesday as the Senate Finance Committee considered Kennedy’s nomination to lead the department of Health and Human Services.
The contentious part of the exchange occurred when Warren asked Kennedy to commit that he wouldn’t accept money from medical lawsuits during or after his prospective tenure as secretary.
“You’re asking me not to sue vaccine — pharmaceutical companies!” Kennedy said as Warren attempted to shout over him. His answer prompted Warren to raise the volume, responding, “No I am not!”
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Warren closed the exchange out, saying, “No one should be fooled. Secretary of HHS Robert Kennedy will have the power to undercut vaccines and vaccine manufacturing across our country, and for all of his talk about follow the science and his promise that he won’t interfere with those of us who want to vaccinate his kids, the bottom line is the same Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it. Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in.”
“I’m not going to agree to not sue drug companies or anybody,” Kennedy. said.
Wednesday’s hearing was the first of two that the Senate has scheduled with Kennedy. His next appearance is scheduled to take place before the Senate Health Committee on Jan. 30. Both committees are expected to approve his nomination, setting it up for a vote by the full Senate.
You can watch the exchange between Kennedy and Warren above.