WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Washington Senator Patty Murray voiced her opposition to President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy was nominated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he will oversee topics such as drug, vaccine and food safety, medical research, Medicare and Medicaid.
Murray released the following statement Thursday afternoon.
“Donald Trump’s selection of a notorious anti-vaxxer to lead HHS could not be more dangerous—this is cause for deep concern for every American. There is no telling how far a fringe conspiracy theorist like RFK Jr. could set back America in terms of public health, reproductive rights, research and innovation, and so much else. The consequences here are not theoretical or superficial—health care access, coverage, research, and public health are life or death issues for people—and the COVID pandemic was an all too recent, all too painful reminder. The last time Donald Trump was President he sent the uninsured rate skyrocketing and did quite possibly irreparable damage to trust in public health—and he has made clear he plans to do much worse in a second term, no matter the consequences. Confirming RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary would be nothing short of a disaster for the health of millions of families. I urge my Senate Republican colleagues to join me in forcefully condemning and opposing this catastrophic nomination.”
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released a statement on Trump's nomination, saying he is looking forward to the consideration.
“RFK Jr. has prioritized addressing chronic diseases through consumer choice and healthy lifestyle. American patients, providers and taxpayers deserve a health care system that is efficient, effective and affordable. I look forward to considering his nomination before the Finance Committee.”
