Top Republican 'struggling' with RFK Jr.'s nomination over Kennedy's vaccine views

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Kennedy shared a heated exchange on the question of vaccines and if Kennedy would state that they don’t cause autism and save lives.

Sanders asked about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy said he was unsure if the vaccines saved lives,

“if you show me science that shows that,” Kennedy said.

“Bobby, you say if I show you, you’re applying for the job,” Sanders said. “I mean, clearly, you should know this and that is the scientific community has established that. That COVID vaccines saved millions of lives and you’re casting doubt.”

Kennedy denied saying that he believed Lyme disease is a "militarily engineered bioweapon" despite admitting that he "probably did say" that during Wednesday's hearing.

"I've never believed that, senator," Kennedy said in response to a question
from Sen. Bill Cassidy. "What I said as that, if that we should always follow
the evidence."

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to people through the bite of blacklegged ticks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chairman Bill Cassidy, a physician, repeatedly questioned Kennedy on whether he will accept the data showing no link between autism and the measles or Hepatitis B vaccines.

"If the data is there, I will," Kennedy said at first, prompting pushback from Cassidy that the data is already available.

"That really is a yes or no question," Cassidy said.

Kennedy went on to say if he was shown the studies showing no link, he "will apologize for any statements that misled people otherwise."

Sen. Bernie Sanders quickly followed up on that line of questioning.

"That is a very troubling response, because the studies are there. Your job is to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job," Sanders said.

Kennedy began his opening statement by taking a moment to express condolences after the plane crash in Washington on Wednesday night.

"Cheryl and I were heartbroken last night to learn of the tragic accident that took so many of our fellow Americans, including our service members," Kennedy said.

He said they were in an apartment where we were able to see the rescue operations taking place. He also directly addressed lawmakers on the panel whose states are impacted.