RFK Jr., Dem senator spare over cancer patient’s treatment: ‘You don’t care’
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found himself in a tense exchange with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., during a recent hearing on Capitol Hill. The senator accused Kennedy and the Trump administration of causing delays in critical cancer care for one of her constituents, Natalie.
Murray began the questioning by sharing the story of Natalie Phelps, a mother of two from Bainbridge Island in Washington state who has been battling aggressive stage four colorectal cancer for nearly five years. Natalie’s best hope for treatment was a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center. However, due to mass layoffs carried out by HHS, Natalie’s doctors informed her that her treatment would be delayed by four weeks.
Murray pressed Kennedy for answers, demanding to know the specific number of employees cut at the NIH’s clinical center. Kennedy responded that he could not provide that information at the moment but offered to look into the matter if the senator contacted his office. Unsatisfied with his response, Murray insisted on an update on Natalie’s case within 24 hours.
The exchange grew heated as Kennedy tried to emphasize his willingness to help Natalie, while Murray accused him of not caring about her constituent. Despite the tension, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to doing everything in his power to expedite Natalie’s access to the clinical trial.
The discussion eventually shifted to the broader issue of budget cuts under the Trump administration, with Kennedy defending the need to spend smarter and prioritize direct impact over bureaucracy. He acknowledged that while no agency head wants to see budgets slashed, the president has a broader vision when it comes to spending priorities.
Kennedy spent the day fielding questions about the administration’s budget cuts at HHS, participating in multiple hearings to address concerns and outline the agency’s approach to funding allocation. As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding solutions to ensure timely and effective healthcare access for individuals like Natalie.
In conclusion, the exchange between Kennedy and Murray highlighted the challenges facing the healthcare system and the need for cooperation and communication to address critical issues. Despite the tensions, both parties expressed a commitment to finding solutions and prioritizing the well-being of constituents like Natalie.
