Both Republicans and Democrats clash with RFK Jr. on vaccines, CDC turmoil

Kennedy began his opening statement by offering condolences to DeKalb County police officer David Rose, who died when a gunman opened fire on the CDC campus on Aug. 8.

"Officer Rose was a veteran. He was a husband and the father of two children, officers Rose's widow, whom I visited, is expecting their third child," Kennedy said. "I'd like Officer Rose's family to know that he remains in our prayers and that he will continue to be in our thoughts."

Kennedy said HHS was moving from a "sick care system" to a true "health care system" by looking at the root causes of chronic disease.

He also said the agency was taking on issues including food dyes, electronic cigarettes and drug prices.

As Kennedy continued his statement, he was heckled by protesters accusing him of "killing" people.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden moved at the end of his opening remarks to have Kennedy formally sworn in as a witness to place him under oath, calling him "a witness who has lied to members" of the committee. The request was denied by Chairman Crapo.

"This committee's unwillingness to swear this witness is basically a message that it is acceptable to lie to the Senate Finance Committee about hugely important questions like vaccines. I think it's a great mistake," Wyden said.

Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden described the U.S. as being in "the midst of a health care calamity."

"Last week, most of the senior leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were fired, or they resigned after refusing to bow to Robert Kennedy's unceasing crusade against vaccines," he said. "They're scared about who to trust, about their health care. Robert Kennedy and Donald Trump have done so much to feed that mistrust."

Wyden said Kennedy "is a witness who has lied."

Senate Finance Committee chairman Mike Crapo, a Republican, has kicked off Thursday's hearing, saying he expects a "spirited debate."

"President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have made a steadfast commitment to make America healthy again. Under this administration, HHS has placed patients at the center of the healthcare system, empowering them with the tools and information they need to create a healthier future," Crapo said.