Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) spoke out on President-elect Trump’s current resolution to faucet environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to guide the Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS), calling the previous presidential candidate a “fringe conspiracy theorist.”
Murray launched a press release Friday morning in response to the appointment, citing Kennedy’s historical past as an anti-vaccine advocate to again up her criticism.
“There is no telling how far a fringe conspiracy theorist like RFK Jr. could set back America in terms of public health, reproductive rights, research and innovation, and so much else,” she stated within the assertion. “The consequences here are not theoretical or superficial — health care access, coverage, research, and public health are life or death issues for people — and the COVID pandemic was an all too recent, all too painful reminder.”
“Confirming RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary could be nothing wanting a catastrophe for the well being of hundreds of thousands of households,” Murray added. “I urge my Senate Republican colleagues to affix me in forcefully condemning and opposing this catastrophic nomination.”
Kennedy’s place requires a senate affirmation earlier than he can lead the division that features 13 companies and an almost $2 billion finances. Following Trump’s announcement, he vowed to be an “honest public servant” if he’s finally confirmed to guide HHS subsequent 12 months.
Murray joins different Democrats and public well being officers in denouncing Kennedy’s nomination to the put up.
Kennedy ran an unsuccessful impartial bid towards President Biden earlier than suspending his marketing campaign and endorsing Trump. He was heralded by the president-elect in his announcement Thursday.
“I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS),” Trump posted Thursday afternoon on Fact Social. “For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.”
“Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!” he added.
Kennedy wasn’t the one controversial alternative that would take a look at Senate Republicans subsequent 12 months, both. His tapping of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as legal professional basic, and appointment of tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to guide a brand new authorities effectivity division, has additionally raised eyebrows on each side of the aisle.
