05/09/2025
🚨 Today, September 4, 2025, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a commanding performance at the Senate Finance Committee hearing, boldly confronting entrenched interests and defending his mission to “Make America Healthy Again.” 
Facing intense criticism from Democratic senators and skepticism from some Republicans, Bobby stood resolute, using sharp, direct responses to expose systemic failures and advocate for the health of American families. His pointed remarks about senators’ ties to Big Pharma electrified the room, showcasing his courage to call out corruption.
Here’s a detailed recap of Bobby’s key direct quotes from the hearing, celebrating his unwavering commitment to reform. 👏🏽
•Exposing the Chronic Disease Crisis
Bobby didn’t hold back when addressing the skyrocketing rates of chronic illness, particularly among children, and held senators accountable for their inaction. In a fiery exchange with Senator Ron Wyden, who accused him of endangering children, Kennedy shot back:
“Senator, you’ve sat in that chair for how long? Twenty, 25 years, while the chronic disease in our children went up to 76 percent and you said nothing.”
This powerful statement underscores Bobby’s focus on asking the tough questions that career politicians have ignored. He’s not here to play along with a broken system—he’s here to demand answers and protect our kids.
Kennedy took direct aim at senators’ financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, exposing what he sees as a corrupt influence on public health policy. In a heated exchange with Senator Elizabeth Warren, who pressed him on vaccine policies, Bobby fired back:
“I know you’ve taken $855,000 from pharmaceutical companies, Senator!”
This bombshell moment highlighted Bobby’s willingness to call out conflicts of interest in the Senate, reinforcing his commitment to rooting out Big Pharma’s grip on health policy.
When Senator Bernie Sanders defended his colleagues, implying that pharmaceutical funding is commonplace, Kennedy’s accusation gained even more weight, as Sanders inadvertently confirmed the pervasive influence of industry money. Supporters noted that Sanders “blurted out that nearly EVERY POLITICIAN is taking Pharma dollars,” making Bobby’s point all the more resonant.
•Defending CDC Reforms
Facing questions about his decision to fire CDC Director Susan Monarez and overhaul the agency, Kennedy stood firm, emphasizing the need to restore trust in public health institutions. He told the committee:
“These changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world’s gold standard public health agency, with a central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease.”
He doubled down on the CDC’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating:
“The people at the CDC who oversaw that process, who put masks on our children, who closed our schools, are the people who will be leaving.”
When Senator Wyden raised Monarez’s claim that Kennedy pressured her to rubber-stamp vaccine recommendations, Bobby denied it outright:
“I did not say that to her. … She’s lying.”
These quotes show Bobby’s resolve to clean house at the CDC, prioritizing science and accountability over bureaucratic loyalty.
•Challenging Vaccine Narratives
On vaccines, Kennedy faced accusations of being anti-vaccine but maintained his focus on safety and transparency. When Senator Tina Smith claimed he linked antidepressants to school shootings, Bobby pushed back forcefully:
“You are being dishonest right now. … You’re just making stuff up to scare people, and it’s a lie.”
When Senator Michael Bennet questioned a vaccine advisory panel member’s claim about mRNA vaccines posing risks, Kennedy stood by the statement:
“I agree with it.”
He also defended his overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, rejecting claims that he politicized it:
“I didn’t politicize ACIP, I depoliticized it. … What we did is we got rid of the conflicts of interest. … We put great scientists on it from a very diverse group.”
These responses highlight Bobby’s commitment to questioning mainstream narratives and ensuring rigorous science, earning him support from those who value transparency in public health.
•Calling Out Misinformation
Kennedy didn’t shy away from accusing senators of distorting his record. When Senator Maggie Hassan pressed him on vaccine and antidepressant claims, he responded:
“You’re just making stuff up.”
In a tense exchange with Senator Ben Ray Lujan, who questioned his past comments on autism and vaccines, Bobby dismissed the senator’s line of questioning:
“You’re talking gibberish.”
These direct, no-nonsense responses show Bobby’s refusal to let critics misrepresent his positions. He’s fighting for clarity and truth, even when it means clashing with powerful lawmakers.
•A Broader Vision for Health
Bobby’s testimony wasn’t just about vaccines—it was about a holistic approach to America’s health crisis. Addressing Senator John Cornyn, he criticized the politicization of the COVID-19 response:
“We were lied to about everything. We were lied to about natural immunity. We were lied to again and again that the vaccines would prevent transmission, prevent infection. It wasn’t true.”
This quote reflects his broader push for honesty in public health, from addressing chronic diseases to reforming nutrition policies like SNAP.
He’s emphasized, “I don’t care what party you’re in. There’s no such thing as Democratic children or Republican children. They’re our children, and we should all care about them.”
After three hours of intense questioning, Bobby ended the hearing with characteristic grace. When Committee Chairman Mike Crapo asked if he had final remarks, he quipped:
“I think I’ll have mercy on everybody and let us adjourn.”
This lighthearted close after a grueling session shows Bobby’s ability to stay composed under pressure, earning admiration from supporters who praised his retort: “All these Democrat Senators are no match for RFK Jr. … ‘They deserve the truth and that’s what we’re going to give them for the first time.’”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony was a masterclass in courage and conviction. His direct accusations against senators taking pharmaceutical money—like calling out Senator Warren’s $855,000 in donations—exposed the cozy ties between Big Pharma and Washington.
His fierce defense of CDC reforms and commitment to questioning vaccine policies show he’s not afraid to challenge powerful interests for the sake of American health.
Supporters celebrated, “Bobby tells [Wyden] he has sat in that chair for 20-25 years while our children have only gotten sicker, and YOU SAID NOTHING!”
Bobby’s leadership is about putting people over profits, demanding transparency, and fighting for a healthier future.
