RFK Jr. Faces Scrutiny on Vaccines and Abortion as He Prepares for Capitol Hill Showdown

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to face a wave of questions on Capitol Hill this week as he meets with U.S. senators in preparation for his potential role as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

The meetings come as Kennedy’s controversial views on abortion and vaccines have drawn attention from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Kennedy, a former Democrat-turned-independent, will spend four days meeting with senators before Congress adjourns for the Christmas holiday. During these meetings, he is expected to face intense scrutiny over his stance on abortion, which has left some Republican senators with unanswered questions.

Even more contentious, however, are Kennedy’s views on vaccines. Known as a prominent vaccine skeptic, he has questioned the safety and efficacy of several vaccines, a position that has raised concerns among lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a former governor who once oversaw vaccination programs in his state, told reporters he plans to press Kennedy on his approach to vaccines. "I want to know what his real concerns are and what he would want to do differently.

But I do not want to lose our vaccine programs," Rounds said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public health initiatives that protect children from preventable diseases.

On the other hand, some Republican senators have already signaled their support for Kennedy's nomination. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a close ally of Trump, said he is a "resounding yes" for Kennedy’s appointment.

“I’ve had the privilege to already sit down and answer most of my questions,” Mullin said. “We will meet, but I was supportive of the president nominating him for it.” Mullin’s support highlights the growing influence of Trump-aligned figures within the Republican Party.

Despite his controversial stance on vaccines, Kennedy appears to have softened his rhetoric in recent months. In an interview with NBC News, he denied being “anti-vaccine,” stating, "If vaccines are working for somebody, I’m not going to take them away."

He added that his goal is to ensure that vaccines undergo thorough scientific safety studies and that people have the freedom to make personal health choices. This more moderate tone may be aimed at reassuring skeptical lawmakers as he seeks confirmation for his new role.

Abortion is another sensitive issue that Kennedy will be forced to address. His position on the matter has left pro-life senators like Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) with lingering questions.

Lankford, a strong pro-life advocate, confirmed that he plans to meet with Kennedy to get clarity on his stance. Several other Republican senators have also expressed interest in hearing Kennedy’s views on abortion before making a decision on his nomination.

In addition to vaccines and abortion, Kennedy’s plans to tighten food regulations have garnered attention from lawmakers.

His proposal to “make America healthy again” has been met with bipartisan interest, as food safety reform has support from both Democrats and Republicans. His message of improving food safety standards could help him secure backing from some Democratic senators, even as they remain skeptical of his views on other issues.

Although it’s not yet clear which senators Kennedy will meet with during his time on Capitol Hill, reports indicate that some Democrats have signaled they are willing to hear him out. His bipartisan appeal may be key to securing the support he needs for confirmation.

A representative for Kennedy declined to comment on his Capitol Hill visits. However, his visit is likely to be pivotal in determining how much support he can garner from senators on both sides of the aisle.

If confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy would oversee crucial public health initiatives, including vaccine distribution, food safety regulations, and abortion policy — all of which have become contentious points of debate within Congress.

As the meetings begin, Kennedy’s ability to address lawmakers' concerns about vaccines, abortion, and health policy will likely determine the fate of his nomination.

For now, all eyes are on Capitol Hill as Kennedy prepares for a week of high-stakes sit-downs with some of Washington’s most powerful lawmakers.