Washington Democrat and HHS Secretary Kennedy trade barbs in hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not hold back during a tense Senate hearing on Tuesday, slamming Washington Sen. Patty Murray for allegedly presiding over the destruction of Americans’ health during her more than 30 years in the Senate.

Kennedy criticized Murray for the epidemic of chronic diseases affecting the American people, stating that they are now the sickest in the world. Murray, who has been in the Senate since 1993, interjected with a surprised “Seriously?” as the heated exchange continued.

The subcommittee chair, Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, had to intervene and ask Kennedy to let Murray ask her questions. Murray questioned Kennedy about the decision to withhold child care and development block grant funding, to which Kennedy responded that it was made by his department.

During the hearing, Murray also raised concerns about cuts to scientists at the agency, which Kennedy dismissed, stating that he did not trust Murray’s information. Murray pointed out that nearly 5,000 NIH staff had been fired or pushed out, along with the termination of more than 1,600 NIH grants, including over 240 clinical trials.

Kennedy defended his actions, stating that Murray’s previous remarks had been untrue and that he did not trust her information. The two continued to clash over budget cuts and critical funding across the board.

This was not the first time Kennedy and Murray had engaged in a heated exchange. Murray accused Kennedy and the Trump administration of delaying critical cancer care for one of her constituents. Kennedy promised to look into the matter, but Murray demanded an update within 24 hours, stating that the delay in treatment was unacceptable.

Despite their differences, Kennedy and Murray agreed that patient’s private information should not be discussed publicly. The hearing highlighted the ongoing challenges in the healthcare system and the need for collaboration and communication between lawmakers and government officials.

The tense exchange between Kennedy and Murray underscores the deep divide in Washington over healthcare policy and funding. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government decision-making.