Senator Wyden clashes with RFK Jr over child health policies at hearing
Bipartisan Clash Erupts in Senate Hearing as Health Secretary Defends Policies
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., found himself in the hot seat during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, facing off against Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Or., in a heated exchange.
The tense moment occurred as Kennedy was testifying before the committee, with Wyden accusing him of endangering children with his policies and showing no remorse for his actions.
“This is about children being put at risk due to reckless decisions that prioritize conspiracy theories over sound science and medical expertise,” Wyden declared at the conclusion of his questioning.
“I see no indication that you have any regrets for your actions or any intention to make changes. How many preventable child deaths are you willing to accept in pursuit of an agenda that is both cruel and illogical? The American people deserve answers,” Wyden added.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate Finance Committee in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 4, 2025. (Andrew Harnik)
“Can I respond?” Kennedy retorted. “Senator, you’ve been in that seat for 20-25 years while childhood chronic illness rates skyrocketed to 76%. You remained silent.”
“You never questioned why this was happening. Today, we’ve learned that infant mortality has risen for the first time in two decades. This is not my doing but a result of the Biden administration’s actions that we intend to rectify,” Kennedy continued.
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Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, intervened to allow Wyden a brief response, although his microphone was initially muted.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Or., criticizes RFK Jr.’s policies at the CDC and HHS. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“Let’s proceed,” Crapo stated. “I allowed Senator Wyden some leeway as the ranking member, but we must adhere to the time limit.”
Kennedy’s testimony followed a letter signed by over 1,000 current and former HHS employees calling for his resignation, along with a demand from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Ver., for him to step down.
Detractors cite Kennedy’s dismissal of former CDC director Susan Monarez as a point of contention.
“We believe health policy should be grounded in evidence-based practices rather than partisan motives. However, under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, HHS policies are jeopardizing the health of all Americans, irrespective of their political affiliations,” the letter stated.
