Senator Welch Slams Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Over Failure to Lower Health Care Costs and Lobbying for Big Pharma

During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered a scathing review of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Senator Welch criticized Secretary Kennedy for using his position to undermine vaccines, dismantle the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and fail to lower health care costs. Senator Welch highlighted the disastrous impact of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the health care system and called for Secretary Kennedy's resignation.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Welch voted against Secretary Kennedy's nomination in February and has repeatedly called for his resignation.
• The Senator slammed Secretary Kennedy for failing to lower health care costs, despite promises to do so.
• Secretary Kennedy's actions have led to the cancellation of $500 million in vaccine research and funding.
• Senator Welch highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in Secretary Kennedy's administration.
• The Senator challenged Secretary Kennedy to support legislation that would hold Big Pharma accountable for pricing and restore price negotiation power.
• Senator Welch and Senator Ron Wyden demanded a vote on their legislation to repeal changes to Medicaid cost-sharing requirements and the $5 billion handout to Big Pharma.

Statistics:

• 17 members of the vaccine advisory board have been fired by Secretary Kennedy.
• $500 million in vaccine research and funding have been canceled.
• 5 billion dollars have been allocated to Big Pharma in the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
• Health care prices have increased since Secretary Kennedy's confirmation.

Sources:

• Watch Senator Welch's full remarks below: Read Senator Welch's full remarks as delivered.
• Senator Welch's speech on the Senate Floor on March 24, 2023.
• The Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act.