At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) expressed strong support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Crapo commended Kennedy's dedication to addressing the chronic disease epidemic and collaborating with Congress to improve the health care system.
Crapo concluded the hearing by stating, “Thank you for appearing before this Committee. You have been accessible to the members and staff on both sides of the aisle throughout a rigorous process, and I want the whole world to know that you spent hours in meetings answering questions outside of this hearing, and providing documents and responses on issue after issue. You have gone through the most thorough vetting process that any committee in this Congress puts anybody through, and I think that you have come through well and deserve to be confirmed.”
In his opening remarks, Crapo outlined potential opportunities for Kennedy if confirmed as HHS Secretary: “Mr. Kennedy, if confirmed, you will have the opportunity to chart a new and better course for the federal approach to tackling both the drivers and the consequences of our ailing health care system. Your commitment to combatting chronic conditions that drive health care costs will be critical to our success."
He further emphasized prioritizing disease prevention: “Prioritizing disease prevention and addressing the factors that fuel conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, COPD and cancer will save lives, reduce costs and build a healthier, stronger country."
Crapo also addressed private-sector innovations: “Private-sector breakthroughs, from groundbreaking cancer medications to curative gene therapies, offer hope. But misguided government initiatives and market volatility risk eroding American leadership in lifesaving R&D."
On transparency in health care: "Your advocacy for health care transparency has the potential to empower consumers across the country, promoting competition to enhance quality while cutting excessive spending both for patients and for taxpayers.”
The importance of nutrition was another topic discussed during questioning. Kennedy shared his views on food regulations: “I don't want to take food away from anybody. If you like a McDonald's cheeseburger, Diet Coke—which my boss loves—you should be able to get them. If you want to eat a Hostess Twinkie, you should be able to do that but you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.”
Alerts Sign-up