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

Before facing questions from lawmakers, Kennedy took a moment in his opening statement to address recent turmoil at the CDC.

"These changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world's gold standard public health agency with the central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease," Kennedy said.

He said the agency needed "new blood" and criticized its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many public health experts argue that politics and social resistance hampered the CDC's efforts to quell the pandemic and save lives.

Last week, Susan Monarez was ousted from her role as CDC director over her resistance to changes on COVID vaccine policy. Four top CDC officials then resigned in protest.

Kennedy's opening statement was momentarily interrupted by a protester.

“You’re killing millions of people!” the person said before being removed.

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.