11/15/2024

Changes RFK, Jr. Could Make as HHS Secretary

They could impact everything from vaccines to raw milk

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a nearly $2 trillion federal agency responsible for administering health insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA); approving drugs, medical devices and vaccines; regulating hospitals, physicians and other health-care providers; and steering many other initiatives affecting food and medicine.

Kennedy, who has repeatedly lied about vaccines, is likely to face a difficult Senate confirmation battle, with Democrats immediately signaling their opposition to his candidacy and some Republicans noncommittal about their support.

If he is confirmed — or if Trump is able to use a recess appointment to install him at HHS — Kennedy has pledged to pursue his “Make America Healthy Again” plan to combat the causes of chronic disease and childhood illness. He has also discussed other goals, such as conducting more research on vaccines.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.